Testing testing

Spray paint is not a medium I would generally associate myself with.

To be introducing spray to my prints is daunting and daring but very attractive for some reason. I guess spray paint has a boldness and in protest there is too that feeling. 

I obviously was not going to attack my prints with a stencil and spray without first testing on a print I was not going to use for my edition.

Red Hot Lettering

I found in the past that cutting out your letters with a blade is both time consuming and very inaccurate.

I had a ureke moment when I remembered the soldering irons I had. I thought they would melt the acetate to create a stencil for my letters.

The result was pleasing to say the least 

Set up

Sometimes I find it hard to get comfortable in a space at home to do my art work.

Today was different, I came home from work with a goal in mind and a set finish line - Completion 

I knew in my head I would grab all the stuff I needed and I would set up shop in the garage even in this cold. 

I got home and set up just the way I wanted. I was in total control and in complete relaxation.

This was my work station for the evening 

I had all I needed.

My prints

Acetate

A blade + scribes

Spray paint

Soldering Irons

A solid workbench

And to top it all off MUSIC 

The PIG

To continue on with my work here are a few snaps from my woodblock of "Bertie"

In total I used 4 blocks to create a 5 colour piece

I used my digital image and transferred it to the woodblock with acetone

Quick and easy

First the key block - this was just printed first as a test to make sure it was clean I will put this block in the press last

The suit - this block consisted of one colour only. Blue was to show royalty, intellect and honesty

Pigs don't wear suits so it is all a contradiction really isn't it. 

The green and gold - these two colours were on the one block which helped me time wise from cutting another block. Needed to bring some Irish to the piece

The pink - this block again one colour, the pink face we all recognise and associate with the humble pig

Adding the key block

The result of four woodblocks used to make one image - technique known as multi-block

The image however is still not complete. I've an itchy feeling that can be cured with some spray paint 

Woodblock Intro

As a student if LSAD I am very lucky and privileged to be studying fine art under the eyes and guidance  of some fantastic Artists.

Working closely with the likes of Sercan Sahin, Noelle Noonan, Des McMahon, Pamella Dunne, Fiona Quill and many others I am lucky to see them working on pieces here and there.

For our introduction to woodblock I was very happy to sit as a model for Sercan Sahin who drew my portrait onto a block with great speed and great resemblance. 

I was cheeky and took some photos 

The effects of Power

Ireland, the beautiful home of a proud and jolly population. A nation that was brought to its knees and left to pull themselves back over the ledge. 

Our country, MY country was betrayed and ridiculed. The people we have power to, took everything we had. One of the biggest cowards in my eyes was the one who ran with the money in his back pocket. 

In my eyes he was ruthless and greedy.

So I have decided to make a ridicule of him. What creature do we know as greedy?? The PIG.