I felt the property would look nice in a printed form so I have been using my paper cut as a template to create lino cuts. Much of Japan’s traditional design is derived from wood block printing. Lino cut is a much easier medium to work with and the results and texture vary. I like the control of line you can achieve with lino cut.

First tracing the template and then removing the white areas with a knife. I found there were a few important things to remember.

• Keep a border around the edge of your block for when it comes to inking the board and printing, it helps a lot.
• Try use the cutting direction as a texture. It requires a really deep cut if you want a completely white area in the negative space. I personally like to use the lines of the cut and it works well with my paper cut designs as a base.

I am pleased but even with these quite rigid grooves I created when cutting out this design, I found the result on the printed paper was very light and subtle. A lot of the texture in the print has come from the ink and how it is applied to the block. Something to experiment with. Check out the results of finished prints.

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If you missed it, you will know for next time, if you check out FLAG Osaka art guide.

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Bride and Wolfe has just launched a new blog full of amazing design inspiration and ideas. Along with the custom blog updates I have added a new home page design that is to celebrate Miranda’s new range of designs. Just a sneak peak of what is on offer on the blog….

Check out these drawings etched into beach landscapes.

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The artist mentioned they had intended to do more in the process and creative side of the contemporary artists exchange. The end result seemed like an exhibition of comparison rather than a process of interaction. Though doing things internationally is tough. Funding, transport and communication provide the biggest barriers. I found the process and their explanations really informative. Though I want to ask the question; How does an exhibition of a group of artists working to a theme become an exchange in process rather than an exchange in ideas post creation. Ideas are important but the process of how an artist works and how they concept the work is perhaps more interesting for the artist and result would differ greater. For example providing a workshop and an exchange of techniques, making use of each others creative spaces and learning where inspiration comes from. Artist in residency is an attempt at this, but always seems a little like bringing skills to an environment rather than exchanging skills through mediums. The approach taken here was to allow artists to network with curators extensively beforehand.

I think a unique process was best achieved in a collaboration between classic musicians and artists. Musicians were asked to interpret pieces done by contemporary artists. The performance at the opening was the 88th of such. Though it was hard for me to reference it back to the contemporary art. Partly because of language but also because the artwork was not on display. The artist gave a talk about it though.

Kyoto Art Center is a great contemporary art space and worth checking out. Reformed from an old school, the original timber, fittings and feel still exist.

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On entrance you get a sticker with the day written on it as proof of entry. No ticket stub or anything like that. I quite liked the idea. The attention to detail amazes here.

Starting from the 28th of December is an exhibition of Japanese patterns that I am looking forward to seeing. Pattern work is increasingly on my mind and I love the detail and way it is used in Japan design. Check out the website for more details: Hosomi Museum

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a painting I am working on
I decided to experiment with paint and see if I could replicate the contrast of the paper cutout. The use of a vivid color on white works well but there is no way such a sharp line can be produced as we see in the paper cutouts.

I noticed in kimono design, patterns and most of the design that extends from tradition styles, have similarities. Clean lines and defined shapes used in great contrast. Even some fabric dyeing techniques use paper cut out stencils as the relief. Similarities in style can be seen in this kimono pattern making technique.

hand painted kyo-yuzen steps of fabric dyeing
1. pattern drawing with ink and brush
2. lines are cleaned up using a paste to create a fine line
3. colors are painted in by hand
4. colored areas are masked using a paste
5. the background is dyed leaving the masked areas untouched
6. the fabric is washed and then steam smoothed

The result is a high contrast, very vivid and detailed image. No wonder these are expensive items to buy. It is just my observation, but could it have some influences from the paper cutout? If you are interested in paper cut out and a more modern interpretation check out Bob san’s super paper cutting video on youtube. I was lucky enough to talk to him about his work. He told me he loves the crisp lines you can get with a blade and paper. There is certainly nobody doing anything like this guy with paper. He doesn’t sketch ideas first. Straight from the mind and all done freestyle with the blade.

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The artist

A detail of the large piece

7 Days Live Painting. I visited the art space where Hachio was in the midst of creating this insane piece. The Kyoto local performs live painting in Kyoto clubs, galleries and spaces. Usually of a massive scale and created instinctively to music, the works are a stunning mix of influences and talent. I caught him during a break from painting sipping on a lager after a painting session. See the results of all the hard work at the exhibition. 2008.10.5(sun) – 2008.10.19(sun) at Antenna Alternative Art Space

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