What is Printmaking? Woodblock

Out of all the different techniques of printmaking, woodblock is my favorite and the technique I use the most.

Woodblock is one of the oldest forms of printmaking. The first Chinese woodblock print book, the Diamant-Sutra from Dunhuang, dates back to 868. But it is so advanced and was made with such obvious skill that its assumed that woodblock printing was developed long before then.

Woodblock printing starts with just that; a block of wood. With knives and chisels, the negative space of the image is carved away. Often multiple blocks are carved for one image, each block can be used for different colors or for different areas of the image. Refer to the photo above that has two blocks for the same image, a block for color and a block for line work.

The history of woodblock printing is ancient and rich. I love the medium not only because of this, but also because it makes me feel more connected to nature, which is an important part of my art. I feel as though I am working alongside nature to create something new. You can see nature's hand in my work by the subtle show of the organic wood grain and sometimes my block of wood has a small knot or hiccup that influences the way my lines end up looking. The end product is always different than it would have been if I had just drawn it out on paper or painted it. The medium has such a strong influence on my art, and I just love it.

After the block is carved, ink is applied with a brayer. (Imagine a small rolling pin made of rubber with a handle.) Once the right amount of ink is applied evenly, its ready for printing!

Traditional masters of woodblock printmaking, will print their blocks by hand. It takes skill, patience, and the right tools. The right paper for this is thin, smooth, flexible and strong.

I on the other hand, print using a press. (Picture a table with a large metal rolling pin on top, and a wheel on the side fit for a pirate ship.) With a press, I first set a blanket specific for printing, spare scrap paper, the paper I want to print on, then finally the block. I set the pressure of the press before hand, and I spin the wheel to move the table. Out comes a print ready for inspection and drying. I hang the prints on a line and the drying time can take a day or more depending on the ink used.

If you follow me on instagram, you will see many satisfying videos of ink being applied to blocks and of me carving wood.