[Baren]: The mailing list / discussion forum for woodblock printmaking.

Baren Digest                Friday, 7 April 2000        Volume 11 : Number 962

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From: B Mason <bemason@concentric.net>
Date: Thu, 06 Apr 2000 08:05:46 -0700
Subject: [Baren 9169] Philosophy 

Hi Pete Walls, welcome to the baren!

In answer to your post, I think all artists, if their work is true, work
for themselves. If you do work trying to "sell" it, or trying to please
others you will soon find you are not pleasing anyone.
Artists need to do work that is meaningful, so if your passion lies in
social change your work will reflect that, if like me you are interested
in eary man and the marks left by him, your work will reflect that.
Whatever is the passion of your heart should be in your work, if it
isn't your work will be pretty dull and boring, although it may be
technically correct and beautifully executed. Take our fearless leader,
Dave, who says he is not artist (we all take exception to this, he
brings his own enthusiasm into his prints) as he copies earlier works is
tremendously passionate about what he does and it shows in his work.
This doesn't mean you can't be happy doing landscapes if your passion is
is archaeology, but you work will not be as exciting to you or your
viewer.

There have been times when someone has commissioned me to do a piece and
I have found if I cannot get excited about the subject, the piece will
never be very good. I once did an etruscan horse for a woman who had
been to Italy soon after I had gone. We shared the love of the trip and
the enthusiasm for old works of early man so it was a joy to do. Other
commissions were like suffering. I got them done, but I was not happy
and although the purchaser seemed pleased, I hope I never see them
again. I don't want to be reminded about doing work that was not a joy
for me.

Even my struggle with the Hanga method is interesting to me and the work
is joyful, though frustrating. When and if I ever master it I will have
thoroughly enjoyed the trip, even if I whine a little along the way. The
exchanges are a challenge and make me forge ahead with this relief stuff
that is far from what I have been doing for the last 15 years. Anything
you learn in your career as an artist is valuable and you build upon it
for the next step.
Enough from me,
Happy printing!

Barbara

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From: "Jeanne Norman Chase" <studiojnc@prodigy.net>
Date: Thu, 6 Apr 2000 11:42:51 -0400
Subject: [Baren 9171] Re: Philosophy

Great reply, Barbara

I, once upon a time was a portrait painter. I hear several sighs and strange
noises from the portrait artists.
It was great and I did a good job , WHEN, the subject was interesting. It
got my creative juices flowing and loved every minute of it.  BUT when the
subject , to me, was not exciting, the portrait was like the sitter and I
was deeply affected . The painting then set me into a mood of depression.
That did it for me. I now do my art work , only for me. It is exciting and
now I am sure that it is better.
I am passionate about what I do. A friend came into my studio one day and
stood watching me for quite awhile. I did not notice. She said that the
expression on my face as I was working was different and could not explain
the difference.
Sometimes I feel that i am not doing the art work, but that something else
is directing my hand, eyes and passion. It is a strange and wonderful
feeling.
I have a feeling that several of you feel that same way.

That is not to say that I do not struggle from time to time, especially when
I know not what I do, as in some printmaking projects.
 But then that Is a learning experience that we all have to go through to
get to the spiritual side of the art work.

Jeanne N.

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From: Arafat Alnaim <ar_alnaim@yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 6 Apr 2000 10:57:38 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: [Baren 9175] Re: New Print, Helio relief and Sand plasting 

Hi Sharen,
Oh that's great. Thank you for sharing this site with
us. Which one of all these PRODUCTION BLAST CABINETS
is suitable for our works (wood sandblasting)? Or what
is the blast cabinet in your college look like. Is it
DOWN DRAFT WORK STATIONS or other?
Any way this process seems to be close or have thing
in common with steno cut process. Am I right?
Regards
Arafat

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From: "Rich" <darich@prodigy.net>
Date: Thu, 6 Apr 2000 11:11:10 -0700
Subject: [Baren 9176] great work 

Julio you have done an excellent job.  Above and beyond.  Gregory the 
show in Uganda is also worthy of praise.  And the news letter......  I 
believe it would be possible to make Baren participation a full time 
occupation. 

None of us will ever be without a project to work on.  Someone asked 
about motivation.  We had the debate a while back on the relative merits 
of art for art sake Vs art with a social purpose and it is no surprise 
that the group found value in both.  Art is a communication, an 
individuals expression of personal experience shared with whoever views 
it.  The observer is part of the conversation as well because they are 
interpreting what they see based upon their own life experience. As a 
group we certainly have a world of experience to share.  I'm signed up 
for exchange 6, thinking about what to say.

Andrea Rich

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From: ArtfulCarol@aol.com
Date: Thu, 6 Apr 2000 16:47:27 EDT
Subject: [Baren 9177] Re: busy busy busy baren 

Dear Peter
Good question.  I was just thinking about it myself  recently.

For my social, moral, and educational obligations I write many letters to the 
editor of my local newspaper and am organized with a group on vital issues. 
This does take a lot of time.

For  some of my prints I have an agenda:  "The Corrupted Language " 
series.This is because I feel strongly about it, not because I think I have a 
responsibility to do so.

For most of my woodblock prints, with a singlemindedness, I compose, cut, and 
print for the sheer joy of it.  My work exists to please the creator and if 
it resonates with a broader audience I am pleased, very pleased!

Carol Lyons       Irvington on Hudson, NY

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From: Krista Harberson <kristah@mb.ginet.or.jp>
Date: Thu, 6 Apr 2000 18:00:24 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Baren 9178] information 

Dear Members, I am an American printmaker living here in 
Japan. next year I am relocating to Europe and am interested 
in printmaking programs or fellowships offered there. I am 
specifically interested in the Frans Masereel Center for 
Graphics in Kasterlee, Belgium. Does anyone have any 
suggestions or information? Anything is a big help and would 
be greatly appreciated.

Thanks everyone,

Sincerely,

Krista Harberson

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From: Studio Dalwood <severn@acay.com.au>
Date: Fri, 07 Apr 2000 09:26:20 +1000
Subject: [Baren 9179] debate on content and form/Kampala 

Peter asked

"I have question not concerning tech stuff.  Have been having debate
with
others about content and form, etc. . . . . .    
Does anyone feel social or moral obligation is the driving force behind
their work??  Do you do the work for ME ( I ) only??  I saw some
discussion at one point that talked of letting go of the brain and
letting the work
flow.  I there any responsibility for making the work though??  I don't
know,  just asking-  I am pretty new so this may have been discussed
before
but someone could humor me,  yes?"

I'm not sure what you are asking here Pete? I can't see any social
obligation on me to produce art? Ditto moral obligation? Its all self
motivated as no-one is going to punish me if I don't do art. Perhaps you
could redefine this part of your query? How do you see it as being
obligatory?

There are several issues here. One is that of motivation. What motivates
the artist to produce. This can be a range of things from economic need
to self indulgence. In my case its a compulsion and I do it for myself,
sharing or selling the work is a side issue. To certain point the career
development side is too. 

Then there is the content issue. Art can be merely beautiful (or attempt
to achieve beauty) , or it may contain some other content which may be
politically motivated. Art has always been used to convey a message
whether sacred or secular. And it reflects the cultural and philosophic
mores of its time. Postmodern art is very content driven. Feminism, post
colonialism etc. Environmental issues. And so on. Im not sure about post
postmodern art. Still trying to get a definition on that one. I don't
think we are quite there yet.

Then there is the methods of production that is the third part of your
question. Being without 'mind' when producing art is not a new idea. You
might like to read some introductory texts on Zen art. Or look at the
work of the surrealists, dadaists and abstract expressionists who all
played with this idea of being non conscious as a method of production.
By this I mean letting the mind go, not being prone on the studio floor.
*grin* Dave's comments about taking mental control of the media is very
pertinent to this. 

The one you left out was choice of media and also how the work is
presented. WHat motivates a particular media choice? Why woodblock. The
answer here of course is because we are all mad woodblock artists
*twitch* twitch*. Media can to a point dictate presentation. Hence the
solander presentation box. Or Dave's fondle display. Or the gallery
framed look. Or the installation.

You have asked some big questions. What are your views? Or anyone else?

regards
Josephine
Sydney Australia

PS  Gregory, thanks for your Kampala update. I keep hearing snippets on
our news that actually mention Kampala. SOmething about a massacre? Did
the picture framer give you a hard time? (joke). No seriously, what
happened?

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From: baren_member@woodblock.com (Carolyn Anthony)
Date: Thu, 6 Apr 2000 20:54:31 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Baren 9180] Exhibit Opening at Skokie Public Library 

Message posted by: Carolyn Anthony

Wish you were here!  I have to tell you how wonderful this 
exhibit is and what a stir it is causing here in Skokie. 
The combination of wonderful art, an international 
community of artists sharing their experiences and artistic 
process on the Internet. This is truly deserving of a major 
news story. Julio has done a masterful job of framing 130 
prints. I hope that the exhibit (at least in part) can 
travel so that you all can experience what we have. Thank 
you so much for sharing with us.

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From: Wanda <robertson@canby.com>
Date: Thu, 06 Apr 2000 18:32:32 -0800
Subject: [Baren 9181] Re: Exhibit Opening at Skokie Public Library 

Believe me, Carolyn, it's our pleasure! I do wish we could all be there
- - that would be one glittery opening, now wouldn't it?

Wanda

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From: judy mensch <mensch@interport.net>
Date: Thu, 06 Apr 2000 22:34:26 -0400
Subject: [Baren 9182] Re: information 

Krista: I've been to the Frans Masereel Center in Kasterlee.  It was
wonderful.  If you get in and have any questions, please feel free to
email me.  Judy, NYC

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From: "pwalls1234" <pwalls1234@i-55.com>
Date: Thu, 6 Apr 2000 22:08:47 -0500
Subject: [Baren 9183] Re: content, from and the others

Josophine, Barbara, Carol and others

Some excellent thoughts-

As for my query on obligation(s), moral and otherwise I only am wondering
about those who feel this is the primary driving force behind their
creations.   I feel the work always contains some residue of ones moral and
social beliefs yet does not have to be directed by such.  I can create
without this part of my brain turned "ON".  Josephine mentioned letting go,
letting the sub(unconscious) work its magic.  Jung mentions this in his
practice through the process of active imagination and it is in some way how
I feel when I enter my studio and begin to create.  I enter the room and let
it all go and as I leave I can reflect on what has happened.  "HAS" being
the important part and not judging each move I make as I create.   I feel
that I prepare for those studio times through my exploring the world,
meeting others, working, eating, sleeping & dreaming and then I can enter
the creative process with an endless supply of content and form to choose
from.

Sorry if any of this gets hard to read but I am trying to write this as I
think it.

Josephine, As for media I was going to get there eventually.  I am not one
to stick to any one media.  Do love woodblocks though ;-)    That old saying
(not really that old) "The medium is the message"  comes to mind in that one
should consider the media one chooses and consider it's implications in the
final work of art.  I know we are all wood oriented but many of us choose
other outlets as the need arises.  It is this plurality I love about modern
art (post-modern art?  post structuralism?  What ever the #$%& it all is to
be named).  I don't have to bend my media, at any cost, to fit my message is
what is important.

All in all I love to create and reflect on this crazy world in which I
exist.  I strive to marry all of the empirical information I experience in
my exploration of the world with my inner visions, my soul.  And yes Barbara
it is the directing of one's passions into the work that makes it exciting !
I agree.   I have made plenty of pieces that had no soul.  Such pieces do
serve a purpose though in that they keep one's hands from being idle and
ready to make that important jump when the thought hits.  I am always amazed
at how much, and how many different creations Picasso(FOR EXAMPLE) through
out into this world.  Sift through the stuff and you find some treasures but
the treasures may not have existed without all the rubble.

Enough babbling for now.

pete
baton rouge

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From: ArtfulCarol@aol.com
Date: Thu, 6 Apr 2000 23:57:29 EDT
Subject: [Baren 9184] Re: content, from and the others 

Pete,

Theres a lot of thought in what you say.  Actually I feel the "Soul" aspect 
when I read poetry or write it (cinquains, like haiku) but when I cut and 
print its something else.
It is often curiosity that drives me to see what will happen when I carve a 
shape  and  print overlays turning the paper .  The unpredictable and 
unexpected are  the surprises that I plan for , if that makes any sense to 
you.
My other work is also based on planned "accidents"-poured watercolors to 
create landscapes.
I know this is contrary to thinking through the steps of a print, but the 
"hanga police" aren't after me!
 All this does not preclude a well-thought out project: it's an additional  
way of working.       
Carol    Irvington, NY

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From: slinder@mediaone.net
Date: Fri, 07 Apr 2000 00:00:10 -0500
Subject: [Baren 9185] Skokie Show 

What a wonderful day I have had!  I was able to meet many of you
through your work!  -and you are extraordinary!

In the quiet of the morning I visited the [Baren] Show at the
Library in Skokie, Illinois.  It is springtime here, and trees
are bursting into bloom!  I walked through a tiny park to enter
the building.  The facility is perhaps a bit different that you
might imagine,  as the Show is sited in a very spacious lobby
area that receives all patrons (few galleries are this large!),
but is separated from the library itself by a glass wall.  It is
expansive and gives the Show a luxury of space and quiet.  And
the Show is absolutely a knockout!  It is such a remarkable
wealth of talent, and it is so beautifully displayed.  You have
done yourselves proud!

A woman from the Skokie Fine Arts Committee saw the show earlier
today also, and commented to Carolyn (the person who wrote to
you from the exhibit) that it was the best show that the Library
had ever hosted!  She added that it was better than any show
that the Fine Arts group had ever hosted also!

This evening it was wonderful to meet people who had helped and
supported  Julio as he prepared for this Show;  his mother, his
wonderful children, and Maria, his absolutely delightful wife.
There were people from other parts of his life too!   Fellow
coaches, his son's teacher (the one who had assigned the
demonstration project in which Julio's son brought tools and
carved a block), her husband, the gracious staff of the library
and community members.

Part of the exhibit does a good job of telling about making a
print, with things that David and Maria have sent, as well as
things from Julio's studio.  And the live computer terminal is a
dynamic part of the Show!

I  enjoyed all of the self portraits!  It was a surprise to see
the dimensions change with each set of prints!  On my screen at
home they all are about the same size!  -And the colors were
wonderful!
Another important thing that was available to the viewer at the
Show that doesn't come across on the computer screen  was the
embossing on some of the prints!  What a perfect finishing
detail for a print!

This has been a large undertaking for Julio, and he didn't miss
any possibility!  I am impressed with his generousity in sharing
his copies of your beautiful prints with the community.  What a
great person!

Over and over I found myself wondering if David ever could have
imagined such an event as this evening when he initiated this
group.  Printmaking can be so solitary, and as I looked at all
of these prints I thought of new baby lambs, kite strings
registering, a squashed lizard, dragon-y New Year greetings,
Australian garden flowers, and a bond of friendship with people
around the globe!  Pretty amazing!

Thank you, David!  Thank you, Julio!  Thanks, printmakers!

Sharen

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From: B Mason <bemason@concentric.net>
Date: Thu, 06 Apr 2000 22:34:14 -0700
Subject: [Baren 9186] some news 

Today was a long day. I just finished my fourth day of very concentrated
photoshop instruction.What an amazing program. You could just go in
there and never come out. Never, never believe anything you see printed,
anyone who is a master at this program could fake anything. You know,
those alien ships and green men? Look out! So my next step is to
translate what I learned into printmaking. In about two years I will
report how I am doing. It will take that long to figure it out.

For the real news, Printhouse is now online. If you are not familiar
with an old original baren member, Ray Esposito, you will still be
interested in the work of this virtual and real gallery. Several baren
mambers belong, myself, Jeanne, Dan, and ? I am so brain dead if I left
anyone out please forgive me. You can see it at
http://printhousegallery.org  I think there is a link to it under resources
on the baren encyclopedia page. Go have a look and let Ray know what you
think. Any of you who have done web sites know how much work it is and
he has been putting in the midnight oil getting the kinks out of it.

Looks like exchange #6 is really on the way. Congratulations to all the
new people who have signed up! We people who have done several will
welcome a rest, but it sure is hard to know we peobably won't get into
this one. It is a mixed blessing, less pressure, but less pleasure at
getting that package in the mail and opening it in the post office for a
mini print show!

What nice messages about the Skokie show. We are a great group and I am
so pleased to be a part of it. I promise not to whine about Hanga for a
long time! I will just get busy and learn more.

Have a great day. I am going to bed and let photoshop coagulate in my
brain!
Barbara

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End of Baren Digest V11 #962
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