FLORA Guardian Woodblock Print Project
Hand Carved Wood Block, Flora Guardian, 42 in x 82 in
Flora Guardian was created by invitation for Roll Out- a collective of printmakers, educators and community activists based in the Hudson Valley, New York. The 42 in x 82 in woodblock was carved by hand and printed by a steamroller at the collective’s inaugural Community Print and Steamroll event. The day featured 21 local artists and two Beacon Schools- celebrating the art and craft of woodblock printing.
I connected the project to my ongoing investigation of pattern and communication. Patterns that appear animate often replicate natural forms or use symmetrical designs symbolically. Bilateral symmetry can make a design appear “alive”, as many living organisms have a central axis. My design for the woodblock print takes a vertical line of symmetry as my starting point. I drew organic shapes and textures from flowers and ocean life, which I abstracted and reflected over the line of symmetry. The result is a guardian-type figure of fantastical flora and organic texture.
Roll Out Event- Steamroll Printing of Flora Guardian
Design Drawings
Design Drawn on Wood
Detail, Hand Carved Wood Block, Flora Guardian, 42 in x 82 in
Detail, Hand Carved Wood Block, Flora Guardian, 42 in x 82 in