Baren Digest              Sunday, 25 February 2001      Volume 14 : Number 1335


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From: Cucamongie@aol.com
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 08:36:21 EST
Subject: [Baren 13611] power baren 

Noreen, I strongly suggest you try a ball bearing baren, these are like the 
power tools of barens!  I found it to be extremely helpful in printing big 
prints.  I got mine from McClain's, which was pricey but worth every penny.  
They also have them available through the Baren Mall, but I haven't tried 
these so I have no idea what the difference in quality is between the ones 
available through the Mall & the ones from McClain's.  McClain's has one with 
more ball bearings for printing more detailed areas and one with fewer 
bearings for printing bigger areas.  Of course I have both, and use them both 
a lot!  The other advantage to this type of baren is that there is no bamboo 
cover to replace.
best wishes & happy printing
Sarah

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From: "David Stones" <stones@mb.i-chubu.ne.jp>
Date: Sun, 25 Feb 2001 00:28:24 +0900
Subject: [Baren 13614] Re: Silica gel?   charset="iso-8859-1" 

Dear Jeanne,

>David Stones; Where does one get silica gel?

I'll have to pass this on to the U.S. side - anyone out there know? - as my
supplier (and the maker) is in the next town... not too near Florida!

I used to buy sealed half-kilo/1.1 pound bags (cloth) which could be used
and then dried in an oven. I used these bags, at first, in those tea boxes
until I built the store room that now maintains some sort of regular
humidity level. I also put in a small packets of silica gel inside the
framed print boxes - if I had prints stored that way for over a week... the
results were good - standard card boxes really soak up moisture too. Bottom
line though: A dehumidifier is better!

Dave S (Ishita)


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From: Artsmadis@aol.com
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 11:28:20 EST
Subject: [Baren 13615] Re: Silica gel?   

In a message dated 2/24/01 9:34:57 AM Central Standard Time, 
stones@mb.i-chubu.ne.jp writes:

<< >David Stones; Where does one get silica gel?
 
 I'll have to pass this on to the U.S. side - anyone out there know? >>

Silica gel is available at craft stores.  They sell it for drying flowers.  
Probably also available from chemical suppliers, and maybe some hardware 
stores.

Darrell


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From: "April Vollmer" <april@aprilvollmer.com>
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 11:57:34 -0500
Subject: [Baren 13616] Japan Society Report charset="iso-8859-1" 

>i hope i am not horrifying whoever is reading this. do i still get to be in
the "baren" club?

Noreen, how did you know! But yes, it's all about learning, you can be in
the club! Loose the felt, though: I must admit that note sent chills down my
back. You need good contact between your baren and the back of the paper.
And those heavy Teflon barens also give me the creeps!

Jean, thanks for the nice quote from Mary about sizing. I forget how much
good stuff there is in the encyclopedia. Japanese paper is SURFACE sized,
(painted on), so I suppose it's a bit different from the western papers she
mentions, which have sizing surrounding all the fibers because it's added to
the vat.

REPORT FROM JAPAN SOCIETY: Sarah Hauser is the best! You all know her
helpful nature on Baren. Well, she is also a great teacher, and did a
fabulous job at the Japan Society class. I was invited to teach 20 art
teachers Japanese woodcut as a way to promote an understanding of Japanese
culture. Sarah was my able assistant. We were both exhausted after three
busy days of non-stop talking. Each teacher made a small two color print. We
used barens from the Baren Mall and hanga-shi paper from Hiromi. I used some
pigment dispersions and some Akua Color. The best part was that we had a
collection of study prints to show the class, including many of Toyokuni's
bright melodramatic Kabuki play images. We were working in a large sky lit
room with a huge Munakata woodcut on one wall. And if that wasn't enough,
lunch was included.

It was a wonderful experience. It was a delightfully New York scene, the
gaijin (white person) teaching Japanese technique to a mix of white, black,
Asian and Hispanic school teachers. Sarah wore her plastic monkey earrings,
reminiscent of her work. All were fascinated to study a technique that
reflects so much about Japanese culture. I talked a lot about the history
and development of moku hanga in relation to the history of Japan. And how
ukiyo-e, the traditional prints, were a reflection of a particular moment in
time. Contemporary artists have to do all the work themselves, unlike the
teams of experts who made those admirable pictures of the floating world
(ukiyo-e). Munakata is a great example of the individual taking control to
make a more personal, modern version of moku hanga (woodcut printing). I
can't tell you how great it was to have examples of both right there in the
studio!

April Vollmer
www.aprilvollmer.com


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From: slinder@mediaone.net
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 11:07:54 -0600
Subject: [Baren 13617] Re: Silica gel? 

Dear Jeanne and David,

Firstly, I thoroughly enjoyed your comments on this topic,
David!  The images of lined aromatic cedar boxes were memorable!
Thank you!

I have used silica gel for drying flowers, and suggest looking
for it in cannisters at 'hobby' places. (Hobby Lobby, Frank's
Nursery and Trims)

Here are beginning resources at google.com:
<http://www.art2art.com/Products/ProductSpecific.cfm?ProductGroupID=2438>
<http://www.geejaychemicals.co.uk/usingsachets.htm>

Sharen

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From: Wanda <robertson@canby.com>
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 09:43:02 -0700
Subject: [Baren 13618] Re: Silica gel? 

Silica-gel is available at craft stores. It is widely used to dry flowers & can
be purchased in many size containers.

You might want to do an on-line search also - you might find it somewhere cheaper
in bulk.

Wanda


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From: "Bea Gold" <bnj50@earthlink.net>
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 12:09:56 -0800
Subject: [Baren 13619] Re: Silica gel? charset="iso-8859-1" 

I just remembered that we have a dehumidifier at our condo in Encinitas, CA.
It is near the beach and everytime we used to come in it stank of mildew.
This dehumidifier is in the kitchen and operates on an automatic timer,
whether we're there or not.  No more mildew odor, so I completely forgot
about it.  We only have too wet or too dry in California! You might like to
look into one for your studio, Jeanne.  It really works - we have it
draining into the kitchen sink and it pulls lots of water out of the
environment.  If you need more info I can get it next time we go down.  Dry
up.  Bea
>

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From: Studio Dalwood <severn@acay.com.au>
Date: Sun, 25 Feb 2001 21:01:33 +1100
Subject: [Baren 13620] Now enroling - open themed exchange 

Hi everyone

Print Australia is now accepting enrolments for its fifth
print exchange Open-E. The exchange is now open to all Print
Australia members whether they have participated in an
exchange before or not.

Theme is open. 

Details and enrolment forms are at
http://www.acay.com.au/~severn/openE.htm

Josephine

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From: "eli griggs" <eli.griggs@worldnet.att.net>
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 16:58:25 -0500
Subject: [Baren 13621] home grown mulberry papers charset="iso-8859-1" 

Hi there:

Reading about the making of Yamaguchi papers and the related topics linked
in the Baren Mall reminded me that Georgia was original given a Royal
Charter for the express purpose of raising silkworms on native mulberry
trees.  That effort failed because the silkworms feed on white mulberry, and
the Georgia species was black mulberry.  Or was it the other way about?

Anyway...the worms are gone but it is a safe bet that the trees are still
here, so does anyone know if these are used for papermaking by hand?  If so
have you used it for printing, etc?

Papermaking links will be appreciated also.

Eli Griggs
Charlotte N.C.
USA


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From: David Bull <davebull@woodblock.com>
Date: Sun, 25 Feb 2001 07:54:20 +0900
Subject: [Baren 13622] Re: home grown mulberry papers 

Eli wrote:
> Anyway...the worms are gone but it is a safe bet that the trees are still
> here, so does anyone know if these are used for papermaking by hand?  If so
> have you used it for printing, etc?

There has been plenty of research done on this Eli. Because of my recent
move, I can't get at my reference books, but if you can find a copy of
'Japanese Papermaking' by Timothy Barrett (Barnett??), in a nearby
university library, you will find the answers you need.

There is a lot of information in the book on mulberries in America, and
how they are being used for papermaking. If I remember correctly, a
group at the University of Idaho (Iowa?) has been working on this for
quite some time.

Anybody else have more solid info on this?

Dave

P.S. Greg R. ... Nice to see you're still here, and not off in a
parallel universe or something!  Or _is_ Scotland like that?!?


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From: "eli griggs" <eli.griggs@worldnet.att.net>
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 18:12:11 -0500
Subject: [Baren 13623] Re: home grown mulberry papers charset="iso-8859-1" 

Hi there:
Thanks for the tip on the book, David.  I checked my local library and
placed a hold on it as soon as I got your message and I look forward to
giving it a good read.

Eli Griggs
Charlotte N.C.
USA


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From: slinder@mediaone.net
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 17:12:58 -0600
Subject: [Baren 13624] Re: home grown mulberry papers 

This is the listing you wanted, David.

Paper Research and Production Facility, 
The University of Iowa, Center for the Book,
100 Oakdale Campus #M109 OH
Iowa City, Iowa 52232-5000

Telephone 319.335.4410
Fax 319.335.4077
E-Mail: <handmade-paper@uiowa.edu>
<http://www.uiowa.edu/~ctrbook/paper.htm> (lists papers
available for sale)

Sharen


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From: Artsmadis@aol.com
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 18:56:49 EST
Subject: [Baren 13625] Re: home grown mulberry papers 

In a message dated 2/24/01 4:05:16 PM Central Standard Time, 
eli.griggs@worldnet.att.net writes:

<< Charter for the express purpose of raising silkworms on native mulberry
 trees.  That effort failed because the silkworms feed on white mulberry, and
 the Georgia species was black mulberry.  Or was it the other way about?
 
 Anyway...the worms are gone but it is a safe bet that the trees are still
 here,so does anyone know if these are used for papermaking by hand?>>

I have made some paper from the native [?] mulberry tree in Texas.  Turned 
out very, very nice.  Have not used any for printing.  It gives a very long, 
tough fiber with light hand beating, and seems whiter than kozo. 

Darrell

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From: "Maria Arango" <maria@mariarango.com>
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 20:48:45 -0800
Subject: [Baren 13626] oh dear! charset="iso-8859-1" 

My dear membership,

It is about that time again when I start assembling YOUR next issue (double
emphasis on the YOUR) of Baren-Suji. For those of you who are new,
Baren-Suji is BarenForum's official quarterly e-newsletter, residing in the
archives at http://barenforum.org

If you browse through past issues you can get an idea of what is needed for
the newsletter, but basically anything that is interesting and useful to the
membership is acceptable. Of course it has to be woodblock printmaking
related! Geez, it sounds like I'm asking for contributions? Well, I AM
asking for contributions!
So what say you?
Right about this time I usually hear a horrible empty echo in the hallowed
halls of the forum and everyone scatters and goes to the Bar. Well, I'll be
right there waitin' for yaw drinking margaritas, so there's no place to
hide!

Any tiny bit of help is greatly appreciated. Really.

Health to all you budding reporters,
Maria, your editor

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Maria Arango
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
http://www.1000woodcuts.com
maria@mariarango.com
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>


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From: Wanda <robertson@canby.com>
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2001 22:46:56 -0700
Subject: [Baren 13627] Re: home grown mulberry papers 

Eli, let us know what you find out about the native mulberry for papermaking.
Sounds pretty interesting. Labor intensive, but interesting.

Wanda


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From: John and Jan Telfer <jtelfer@iinet.net.au>
Date: Sun, 25 Feb 01 16:04:05 -0000
Subject: [Baren 13628] Re: Hanga Printing 

Dear Noreen,

HANGA "How to" VIDEO TAPE:

I think there is a video tape that Dave Bull did that is circulating the 
Baren Members. Ask Wanda Robertson, our Moderator, if you can borrow it. 
It may be worthwhile for you to request it as soon as possible to show 
you the routine and the methods of printing for hanga.  I tend to think 
you are wasting a lot of money and time in wood and paper (and spoiling 
your carving) before understanding the techniques. 

Is there someone who lives near you that could spend a day with you 
helping you.

But the Baren Enclopedia references that Julio suggested:
>
>http://barenforum.org/encyclopedia/entries/onepoint/018_35/018_35_frame.html
>
>http://barenforum.org/encyclopedia/entries/onepoint/018_21/018_21_frame.html
>
>http://barenforum.org/encyclopedia/entries/onepoint/018_29/018_29_frame.html
>
>http://barenforum.org/encyclopedia/entries/onepoint/018_08/018_08_frame.html

>
>For an intro to basic hanga concepts and a step-by-step...see:
>
>http://barenforum.org/encyclopedia/entries/000_01/000_01_frame.html
>
>http://barenforum.org/encyclopedia/entries/000_09/000_09_frame.html
>

>
are really good references and there are many more there too...in fact 
too many for the beginner!!!

Keep your chin up ... and keep those qestions going.  I am needing 
tuition and have someone coming over on Tuesday to give me some advice 
before making an appearance at Bootcamp!!

PAPER:  What paper John (Amoss) did you use for your Exchange #6 Chicken 
print please?

Jan
Perth Western Australia

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From: Sunnffunn@aol.com
Date: Sun, 25 Feb 2001 04:02:27 EST
Subject: [Baren 13629] This is off topic and i apologize 

Many of you are into other forms of printmaking and this is what was sent to 
me.  i was taught by my printmaking professor in a college course that a 
monotype is a print that is painted on a plate such as plexy, glass or metal 
or perhaps other innovative surfaces.  That you get one print only except in 
the rare exception that there is enough ink to pull a second print called a 
ghost. Therefore the plate is cleaned totally after the one print and no 
edition can be rendered. I was taught that a monoprint is a single print 
pulled from a plate that could be an etching plate a woodblock plate a 
linoleum block plate a collagraph plate etc.  Usually these are a rare piece 
that is done with an unusual wiping method or say an unusual inking method.  
Like the time I pulled a collagraph plate that I had inked in black and than 
rolled red ink over it and ran it with both colors.  It was a monoprint 
because it would be nearly impossible to pull a second like it so no edition 
could be run.  I suppose this is relevant to woodblock printers in that a 
monoprint could be pulled from a wood block. And one should know what it is.
I was taught and my printmaking book also refers to the surface used for a 
monotype is called a plate.  Seems this person says a monotype surface is not 
a plate???? And further if I read this correctly anything that is an inked 
image and pulled off a plate is not a monotype according to this individual.  
I think all printmakers should understand the difference between a monotype 
and a monoprint as in woodblock it would be possible to do a monoprint.
Opinions please????  If you feel this is off subject you can email me 
directly.
Marilynn
Sunnffunn@aol.com


Dear Marilyn

Sometimes these things happen, no hard feelings.

Sunnffunn@aol.com wrote:
  My
> only contention was that in monotype one can not re
> edition a plate because
> it is not an edition and there is nothing left on the
> plate.

The confusion here is between monotype and monoprint. 
When I refer to monotype I am excluding anything that uses a
plate. Ie where you make an inked image on a sheet of glass
or perspex and then lift it off onto the paper. 

If you are using a plate then it is a monoprint and they are
variations and can be classified as a variable edition. I
cant afford the time to go into this in depth but would you
do me a favour and either look this up or ask for
clarification on the monotype list.

I have left you in the open exchange which does not allow
monotypes. As this is your first exchange and you dont know
what is involved, I will not add you to the what is a print
exchange, this time. I think one exchange at a time will be
enough. I am concerned that with all your health and other
problems that you will find it necessary to drop out (and
people do) and that is not good for the rest of the
participants. I hope you understand my motivations here.

Josephine

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End of Baren Digest v14 #1335
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