Sometimes I can not contain the side of me that wants to create decorative things.
I start with a line drawing, that is loose and changeable. I let the drawing develop in whatever direction it wants to go, and then I translate it into the “cut” language: all subtle tonal differences have to choose their side, light or dark, and the image changes. It becomes much more frozen on one hand but bold, assured and finished, on the other. If the drawing was good and did what it supposed to do in capturing the motion of the figures, then that frozen-ness will not detract from the image, solidifying it, but not depriving it of life. Then I transfer it on the linoleum plate and cut till the cows come home. When the pattern is intricate it can be hours or a day or more. But doing this minute work is very satisfying: perfecting the curves, steadying the hand, watching your breathing so you don’t cut something at the wrong angle – all that gets you in this interesting mental space of infinite patience and rhythm that not only calms you, but also opens the doors for thoughts and images to flood your empty head. It is really akin to a state of meditation. The prints are left as elegant arabesques and a reminder of that space.Please click on a thumbnail to see the large image.
