Descending Ashtray

I picked up The Woodcut Artist’s Handbook the other day as a refresher course in woodcut printing. I was especially interested in some advice on how to print at home without a press (I used an etching press in college).

A lot of good information inside, including relative merits of various wood species, as well as the tools involved. Gabe, I think you should try your hand at woodcut - it’s involves carving, wood, and a lot of elements of both drawing and painting. It might be a nice way to make some money, as well, as you can sell prints cheaper, but in higher quantities. Something to think about.

My goal is to make myself a screw-type press this weekend. It’s something I built in my head a long time ago, and I’ve got all the materials in stock to build it - just need a little time, which the long weekend should afford.

Did another version of the RAF 5×5 last night but didn’t have time to post it. Tonight …

You’ve probably been to Stone City, near Cedar Rapids, and probably know about the artist’s colony that was there in the 1930s. A nice summary of the who, what and why.

See also this excellent Grant Wood site.

A friend handed me a copy of this book called “Letters to a young Poet” by Rainer Maria Rilke. You should check it out, it is inspiring. Yet again another artist who was born in the 1800’s. Everything that I have been reading lately seems to have been written by people who were alive during the end of the nineteenth century. How much has industry and techonology prevented us from being emotionally aware and creative?

The modularity of the 5×5 would surely appeal to military minds. As storage/transport containers, they’re ideal.

I was trying to paint the Royal Air Force aircraft logo, but I transposed the red and blue, apparently. Our internet was down so I couldn’t look! Funny.

A quick watercolor sketch.

Phil and I pulled it off, the show was good. We finished the film and rented a projecter and setup a little theater room in the restaurant. Everything came down to the wire but it went smoothly. There was a good number of people and the vote was unanamous that I should continue full time but unfortunately I only raised $350. My goal was $500 to cover my bills. So I am probably going to starting working again. But I am happy with how the film turned out. For having absolutely no budget, I think that it works. I will send you a Dvd and I will talk to Phil about getting it formated for the website.