printmaking
After hours (approx. 8hours) of hard work and some minor hand injuries, I am happy to announce that I am finally done carving my printmaking plate! :)
If it’s not that obvious, my design is a silhouette of a bird calmly resting on the branch of a tree. Actually, my 1st design was that of a cute puppy but when I finished drawing and started, I realized it was so hard to carve its form. It’ll take a lot of precision which is something I don’t have..yet. :D
These are the awesome tools I used in carving my wood! :) They are sharp enough to use on the mahogany wood we bought. It saved me the hassle and expense of buying a rubber mallet and chisel. :)
These carving tools cost less than those sold at National Bookstore. It only costs P220 at Diane and Candy Bookstore.
My brother is officially a hand model! LOL
Our teacher told us to carve where the grain runs. If the wood seems to be tearing, and your tools are sharp, you are probably going in the wrong direction. Turn around and carve in the opposite direction. You can also carve diagonally across the grain and even parallel to it, but if you carve upwards against the grain, it will only tear and splinter the wood.
Wood carving is fun especially if your tools are sharp. Dull tools will cause you no end of trouble. Your wood will rip and tear and you will cut yourself from having push too hard. Sharp tools take less effort and let you have more control.
Very important reminder when carving wood, carve in the direction against you so you wouldn’t get injuries that much. And, always be careful. Don’t rush because it’ll cost you more damage. I also had my share of minor wounds (3 cuts) in my left hand. Good thing it isn’t that serious. :)
I suggest you try doing prints the traditional way like what I did! It makes me appreciate more the people that came before us. They had to do everything the hard way before. Despite the lack/absence of technology, they still managed to bring beauty and art in this world. Now that’s totally lurid! :)
(Source: jacquecanfly)
