You have just finished carving the last needle on the pine
tree in a landscape that is to be printed. You notice that the edge on your tools is beginning to
dull. It’s lunchtime and your
aching knuckles really need a break but there is a deadline looming. Well, summon the sharpener! It’s his job and that’s what you keep
him around for anyway! If you were
a carver in an Edo period print shop, this would be the solution. But . . . here in the year 2014, the
woodblock print artist is often tasked with the maintenance of his or her own
tools.
If you are interested in the process of Japanese Woodblock
Printing, are curious about the maintenance of your own tools, or would like to
take a gander at some Japanese Woodblock Carving Knives come join me at the Virginia
Arts of the Book Center this Wednesday Block Night (03/12/14) at 6:30pm for a
demonstration!
