Relief Printmaking
Woodcut and linocut prints are both part of the relief method of printmaking. The wood or lino block (matrix) is prepared by carving the image into the surface using sharp gouges. The area that is left uncarved is raised (in relief) and will receive the ink which is applied using rollers (brayers). The ink is transferred to the paper under the preasure of the hand held baren or by the use of an etching or relief press.
My Working Process
In gathering source material for my initial designs I collect drawings in my sketchbook or go on a photo shoot. When I am happy with my final design drawing I need to reverse it before applying it to the surface of the block. The final image is always a mirror image of that on the printing block. I sometimes draw my final design directly onto the block to speed up the process.
I often work with the reduction process when creating a relief print as it allows me to create all the colour layers from one block. The reduction method involves carving away successive areas of the block for each new colour. The surface area of the block is reduced as you develop the print, until only the final detail is left. By the nature of the working method the block is destroyed as you go so automatically limits the print run. However as with all original prints the editions are limited and once the prints are completed the blocks are 'decommisioned'.
The printing process has many stages and is quite time consuming so as a result each new edition is big commitment. Depending on the complexity of the image the edition may take up to two weeks to complete. I have kept my edition sizes small anything from two to twenty five in a limited edition. Each print is signed titled and numbered with pencil just under the image, as is traditional with original prints. I use very high quality papers and inks. The papers I use include Arches, Fabriano and a Japanese editioning papers.
Although I have worked with etching processes in the past I have tended to work mainly with relief in recent years as I enjoy the sculptural process of carving the block and the unique marks that can only be achieved using V tools and gouges.
