Things I'm Afraid to Tell You

After reading a posting on Penelope's Press, I decided to participate in a little sharing experiment. At the end of each school year, I tend to be very introspective, and a little uptight over how the year turned out. This often leads to some frank discoveries. So, here is a little insight into the less obvious part of me.

- I waste a lot of time. Internet, TV/netflix, etc. If I was a little more focused, I  know I could be more productive as an artist and a teacher.
- I often feel un-original. I don't know how to access the inspiration for new ideas.
- I have been teaching 13 years, and still cannot consistently figure out classroom discipline.
- I am a Christian. My goal is to bring glory to God, but often, I only find ways to glorify myself. I am afraid that sharing this will either bring rejection of my work, or judgment because I don't measure up.
- I get distracted from making art by hoarding and repairing equipment related to making art.
- I wish I was as successful as some of the people I went to college with.
- I doubt my abilities to motivate students to create and enjoy artwork.
- I still miss my sister all the time.
- How people speak about cancer influences my opinion of them.
- I don't give in and play with my kids as much as I wish I did.

What are you afraid to tell the world.

Good News

Good news came in the mail. I received word that two of my linocuts were selected for this year's National Small Print Show. 

Red Head with Berries and Breakfast at Tiffany's will both be part of the exhibit in Creede, CO.

Another printmaker I know, Sherrie York had posted that their work had won 1st place. When I went to check on the show, I found that my printmaking instructor from FHSU Gordon Sherman won 2nd place. Congratulations to both of them. Stop by the Creede Arts Coucil if you have a chance. The show opens May 26.

Boxcar Base and Photopolymer Plates

New toys are so much fun.

Today was the trial run for my first attempt at exposing photopolymer plates.  It was a smashing success. My homemade vacuum exposure unit worked like a dream. Of course it may need a little tweaking to be easy to use, but it was wonderful to see the plates wash out just like they were supposed to.

Because photopolymer plates require much more precise inking, I made new delrin trucks for both my C&P Crafsman, and my little CMC Superior. I cannot believe how much easier it is to print with the right diameter of trucks on the rollers. I had always attributed my trouble printing  to poor packing and make-ready, but now I realize it was my equipment that needed to be updated. I'm sure my packing could still use improvement.

 I am working on creating some nice business card, price tags, envelopes, and other branding. I figure I'll start small and work my way up. It is so strange to have the ability to make a plate out of anything on my computer.

I have a wedding suite design in the works. I am planning to print the whole set from poly plates. Because of the importance of a job like this, I will probably have the plates made instead of trying to expose and process them myself.

Tuscan Ornate Figures Specimen

Tuscan Ornate Type Specimen, originally uploaded by Bound Staff Press.

Since I had finished carving and proofing my new Tuscan Ornate numbers, I thought I should go ahead and print up a type specimen to hang on the wall. While I'm sure this could be done at any time, life has a way of pushing fun little projects like this to the background. I locked up a less than traditional form that filled the chase of my 10x15 C&P Craftsman, and printed away.

My current plan is to complete the rest of the font with a very small 3A scheme. I had originally thought I would continue with the 20 line (~3.25 inch) size, but having barely locked up only 10 figures in my chase, I think 10 line (1.625 inch) would be a better size. Should only be a few hours. (& Smiles)