In this class, we learned about the medicinal and culinary properties of violets, harvested violet leaves from the garden by the woodshop, and carved woodblock designs of violets and their symbolic roots (which resemble lymph nodes).
The violets class began with violet blossom tea and education about the medicinal and culinary uses of violet flowers and leaves. Violets also are known to help draw shy people out—which proved true in our class as we all became more chatty after tea time as we carved our woodblocks. There are many types of violets in Minnesota, and several varieties can be seen blooming in shady spots, in the woods and alleys, and are conveniently labeled at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden.
January 2020 class used 4x6 (and one bigger) shina plywood blocks to fashion portraits of pets current and past, as well a some favorite creatures. All but one were first-time printmakers!
Led woodblock printing for adults at the Minneapolis Institute of Art’s Third Thursday event, providing 2x3” shina plywood blocks and quick instructions on tools and printing. Over 150 people carved and printed, and only needed 3 bandaids!
Despite the challenges of printing a woodblock on a vertical wall, these first-timers made awesome prints! I <3 Hockey.
We carved halved potatoes, then easy-cut linoleum (Speedball “speedy cut” or butter cut) backed with wood for easier stamping. Great introduction to tools and affordable materials that are easier to carve than wood, and easier to stamp into stamp pads then onto paper or fabric because of their flexible surface. (Wood prints best when the paper or fabric is placed on the inked surface, then pressure is applied to the back of the paper or fabric).
In this December 2019 class we carved linoleum and potatoes to print gift wrap, fabric patterns, and stationery. Relief carving has been used for centuries to create patterns on fabric and paper.
Students carved 4x6 shina plywood blocks and printed on Strathmore cardstock. December 2019
2019 student tackles age-old themes and a master painting in a 4x6 woodblock. Awesome.
2018 Woodblock 101 class: student pulling the first print of a dandelion relief carving.
