I was doing my annual house cleaning just now and I found 2 of my artworks done by wood printmaking method during my study in NAFA. Though it is a long and tedious method, I enjoyed it.

I had a great satisfaction when the artworks are completed, especially the "Turtles Gathering". Why? The "Turtles Gathering" artwork is done in 6 stages. Why 6 stages? Guess? Each colour is counted as one stage. In the artwork, there are yellow, yellow green, green, blue, red and black, a total of 6 colours (white is not considered as we no need to paint the white area).

I have to first plan out what colour I want for each area of the artwork. After I know what colour I want for each area, I first carved out lighter colour (which is white) area on the wood block. Then I applied the yellow paint onto the wood block. After that, I placed an A4 drawing paper on top of the painted wood block and press the paper onto the wood block using concave area of wooden spoon. This is tedious. I have to use a lot of strength in order for the paint to be traced nicely to the drawing paper. And, I have to repeat the pressing for 8 A4 drawing papers!!!! This is because if the graphics are not properly in line after later pressings, the artwork is considered spoilt. "We have to play safe and press 8 drawing papers, then later choose the nicest one among the eight of them", my lecturer sternly told me.

After the first pressing, the 8 drawing papers have to dry for 2 or 3 days. While waiting for the yellow paint on the 8 drawing papers to dry, I carved out those yellow colour areas of same wood block for the next darker colour, which is yellow green. After that, I applied yellow green paint onto the wood block. The process is repeated for each colour and it is from ligher to darker colour. The final stage will be carving out those blue colour areas of the same wood block for the darkest colour, which is black, and press again and then let them dry again. This is time consuming and real tedious too. I got arm muscles after doing this artwork. 6 stages x 8 drawing papers = 48 times of pressing. I got to press 48 times, that is why I got arm muscles after that. Now, I feel like carving wood again. :)

Title: Desert Fantasy

Labels: 2D Gallery

I had just returned from Cameron Highlands yesterday. :)

Here are some inspiration goodies that I took back with me from Cameron Highlands trip. I want to share them with you all.

The interior of the hotel that I am staying.

Labels: Inspiring Image Album