Oregon Ink Spot Exchange Print - Round 2

After I completed my last print for the Ink Spot Print Exchange I took another look at it and wasn't exactly satisfied. I decided that I wanted something more realistic than abstract so I asked my husband for some guidance on a new sketch. After some of his suggestions I came up with this version, which I prefer. I think they are both valid prints/styles, but I like this style a little better so I'm going to submit it for the print exchange instead. It was printed on black cardstock with silver Van Son letterpress ink.

Oregon Ink Spot Exchange Print

I've decided to participate again in the Oregon Ink Spot Print Exchange. This year's theme is "Reflections of your current studio practice". My practice involves cutting a lot of linoleum, so my print consists of a close up study of three linoleum cutting tools. I have been playing around with repeating images and I liked turning this study into a print that looks almost abstract because of the use of that repetition. I used Arches Rives BFK gray paper and oil-based black ink and drop printed on my proof press, inking by hand instead of using the rollers because the edition was small.

Trailer Print

Although I skipped January I hope to have two prints done in February so that I'm still on track for a print a month!

Here's my first print of the year. It's based on the picture below taken of an old trailer in east Tennessee. I would like to make another version with a more realistic background, but I like the way the trailer itself turned out here. It is done in silver letterpress ink in on black paper.

Looking Back and Forward

This past year I set a goal for myself to produce at least one print a month in 2008. I took a look back at my blog posts and counted up 18 prints for the year! I didn't produce much at the end of the year because I decided to knit a lot of holiday gifts for friends and family, but my activities in the spring more than made up for it.

Mostly to record this for myself (because I'm so happy I completed the goal :)) I've made a list of all the prints I completed in 2008:

• January Hilltop Motel


• February Block Print Journals (4 small prints)


• March Pee Wee


• March (Again!) Postcard Print Exchange


• April Oregon Ink Spot Print Exchange


• April (Again!)More Block Print Journals (4 small prints)


• May No prints


• June Big Rig


• July Popcorn


• August Ice Cream


• September Skateboard and Bicycle (2 prints)


• October No prints


• November Corn Dog


• December No prints

I am going to continue this goal for 2009. I had fun with both very large prints (for me) and very small ones. This year I am going to go for a happy medium, working in the 5x7 to 8x10 range so that I can more easily carve multiple blocks for multiple colors.

If I have time I'll also post some of my knitting projects -- another goal I have is to keep a record of all my knitting projects with pictures so that when I give something away I remember what it looked like!

Belated best wishes to everyone for a happy and healthy new year!

Kraftwork Tomorrow Night

Kraftwork is a monthly market featuring Atlanta's finest indie artists and crafters. It takes place the first Thursday of the month from 7-10pm. The next market is tomorrow December 4th and will be a great place to pick up holiday gifts!

Young Blood Gallery is located at 636 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA.

Check out ICE Atlanta for more details.

Indie Craft Experience This Saturday

Just a reminder that the Indie Craft Experience is this Saturday! I will be setting up again this year for my second holiday show and will have lots of my latest work available for early holiday shopping. Hope to see you there!

Latest Print in Fun Food Series

This is my latest (and last) print in my fair/fun food series. I have chosen to honor the Corn Dog! You can see it this weekend at the Indie Craft Experience Holiday Spectacular in Atlanta, and I also have it for sale here in my Etsy shop.

Everyone loves a corn dog!