Woodcut Collaboration

Back in April of this year, Stephen Prochyra of Vostok Press invited me to collaborate on a woodcut project.  It was an honor for me to work with him.  His work is purposeful and poignant, beautifully drawn and painted with honesty and integrity.  Stephen is a great artist and part of an ever expanding group of individuals that know how to keep time for themselves while generously sharing their passions and time with others.  We created a four color reduction print, 30" x 30", titled Balance, Music and Humanity.  Prints are available for purchase here.

Kala Art Institute Printmaking Residency

In July and August, I went out to Kala Art Institute in Berkeley, California and worked on a series of etchings that investigate psychological space. Here are four finished works from the series:

Pattie Lee Becker, Intruder, etching, 9" x 12", 2010

Pattie Lee Becker, Blockaded Inside Dream Travel, etching, 9" x 12", 2010

Pattie Lee Becker, Discussions on Fear, etching, 9" x 12", 2010

I'd forgotten just how much I love to make prints.  Back in college, it was the act of making etchings that changed everything for me, foregoing a major in philosophy for one in art.  The process is mesmerizing and so tactile.  The beauty of the copper plate inked up and ready for printing - so seductive.  Here are some images of the process:

Registration Guide

Preparing the ink

Inking the plate

Wiping the plate with tarlatan

Palm wiping

Ready for Printing