Ghostly Marks

I did a test print of the block I’m carving. I usually do a couple runs extra at the end to get the ink off the block, which is where these spectral images come from. In a strange way, I think I like these fading, forgotten marks better than the actual print. But one more block to go, the background color, then it’s time for a print run.

I think winter is over? Hopefully? It’s been a mild one, an easier one. It’s been a relief as I started the year feeling like I’d been tossed up on shore, full of seaweed and ocean. I think my land legs are coming back, slowly.

Other things on the horizon:

• This mash up of traditional Chinese music and banjo music is oh my, my. My 4th great-grandfather helped run an illegal distillery in Kentucky in the 1800’s, so a weakness for Appalachian folk music is embedded in my DNA.

• I’m rereading Under the Sun of Satan. Translated works usually fall flat for me, but this one still sings in English. It’s not an easy read, brutal and harsh at times, but it’s been worth the reintroduction.

• This stop motion/puppet production is in my to watch queue.

A Printing Process

I bargained with myself that if I could get X, Y and Z done on my to do list, I could hit the library’s used book sale, get my hair cut and start work on a new block print. I like used books. I dislike frizzy hair. And I really, really like love block printing. So needless to say, my to do list actually got finished this week.

I’ve based this illustration on photographs of women peat gatherers from the 19th century (who also frequently knit while hauling their baskets, which is hardcore multi-tasking). The image on the left is a Photoshop mockup, where I traced over a scan of my original pencil sketch. I then printed this and transferred the design to the block. And at the stage pictured, I painted over the pencil transfer with ink. In the past, I’d start carving once I had the pencil sketch transferred, but found myself struggling to envision the final print while working. But painting the exact areas I want to print has helped a ton, removing a lot of guesswork. I’ve gotten a fair amount of carving time in this week, so am hoping to start printing next week.

Also, I held my breath for most of the time I was cutting those facial features. And that is decaf in my coffeee mug, because sharp objects and being overly caffeinated don’t mix well, in my experience.

Slowly Made

I started this illustration last winter, then deadlines and life got in the way. Then this sat, leaving me cross every time I walked by. It’s been a whirlwind of a year and I haven’t had as much time for personal work as I’d like. But I’ve made a deal with myself that if I get my to do list cleared off by end of day, I get a few minutes working on this. I haven’t done one of these pencil drawings in ages, mostly because they’re so labor intensive. But drawing fiddly, domestic things seems to take the edge off of whatever the stressor du jour is, so it’s back to the drafting table with this one.

Other things:

* Wodehouse in Exile is charming and quiet, with some food for thought, too.

* I finished Blood of the Isles over the long weekend. Some of the more science-y parts were a slog for me, but the book’s look at the genetic makeup of the British Isles and its intersection with myth and history was fascinating.

* I’m knitting this cardigan right now. I’m still in sandals and short sleeves because I refuse to accept fall starting before September 22, but even I have to admit autumn is right around the corner in these parts.

* This recipe for Piernik (Polish gingerbread cake) is pretty tasty.