slightly wonky

This has been a blah week, work-wise.  Most of what I’ve done, I’m not thrilled with.  Last night, I had my carborundum collagraph class.  I was NOT pleased with how things were turning out.  Here is the result:

*insert big sigh here*

I’m NOT happy with that at all.  It’s just a mess.

I made another tiny plate.  I kind of like these tiny plates.  This one is just 2″x3″.  That’s a bit bigger than my other tiny plates, but still small.  My first printing was over wiped:

So, I left more ink on it this time, and it was much better:

In general, I like these kind of plates, because I can work on them at home.  I’m not very good at working in a busy studio.  I know how ridiculous that sounds, but if I have to try to concentrate and think…then I need to be alone with time and space.  So, if I prepare a decent looking plate in peace and quiet, I can be productive in the studio with printing.  But if I don’t prepare, and try to work in the studio…I can’t do it well.  I know that I have to work on this a bit, but it does made me feel pretty deflated at times.  Like, right now.

I’m also working on a lino print.  Here’s a little preview picture:

I’m happier with these, as they are very “graphic” and “punchy”.

I know…why so blue?  Well, I wasn’t thrilled with this week’s output.  At least there was some experimentation, with the woodblocks and trace monotypes. 

So, back to the drawing board…*SIGH*

[UPDATE: I’ve decided to throw in a trace monotype at the last minute…here it is below…definitely a work in progress…]