Block:External Plywood and linoleum
Paper: Zerkall
Inks: Lawrence Linseed oil based with burnished gold and silver leaf.
The print symbolises the four elements using Greek
myth and medieval imagery. *Zeus ~ Air, *Gaia~ Earth, *Helios~ Fire, *Nestis~Water, This golden foliated face is central to the composition and is often called the green man. He was sculpted by medieval craftsmen in our Cathedrals and the meaning has been lost
over time. This haunting face entwined with roots, branches and leaves may represent the life/death cycles of earth and man. Introducing him in this context brings the print to the Haiku tradition of the seasons and nature. This particular face is based upon an arch
boss in Norwich Cathedral. He looked so lavish, burnished with gold leaf that I immediately associated him with my two dimensional luxurious, surimono print.
There are 40 prints in this edition specially cut and printed for the Baren Exchange. Each print is slightly misaligned in respect of our ancient crafts-persons who consciously did not create the perfect artefact : only God could do this.
---Accompanying haiku:
Zeus commands Gaia
Helios quelled by Nestis
Foliate man wakes