A/P 3 Untitled #3 2010
Plate: 17 1/2″ x 7 1/4″, Paper 21 3/4″ x 11 3/4″
This is a straight linoleum cut. My intention was to play with using flat black as more a focal point and less a background. The activity on the right hand side I believe, looking back on it now, was derived by my love of Dr. Seuss, especially his paintings. To me, it seems like some idealized world, chaotic and bright with action. Linoleum offers such a clean cut that fine lines really pop. The creature/man/some have said rat or pig, with the orbs extending from his amputated arm still puzzles me a little. It also wears a tie. When carving this section of the print I wanted to create a more realistic feel. Gradated tones and shadows compared to the world on the right hand side which exists only in alternating white and black lined patterns. The coil or ribbon dividing the two lines appears in my prints quite often. A simple alternating white and black rope that opened to reveal the more realistic world. I;m very pleased with the amount of darkness I was able to achieve in this print, and at least to me, the success I had in making a black expanse the focal point. When I look at the print I am always drawn to the first orb floating from the rat mans string arm. I feel this makes the surrounding print more like a frame consisting of image and action, which in turn offers occasion for staring and meditation.
To view more of my work with woodblock and linocut click here:
drewkail.wordpress.com/untitled-series-woodblock-prints-s-1-10-2010-11/
Copyright © 2011 by Drew Kail
Drew Kail 