Today's postings

  1. [Baren 39035] Re: printmaking for kids (Julio.Rodriguez # walgreens.com)
  2. [Baren 39036] Re: Printmaking for Kids (Gayle Wohlken)
  3. [Baren 39037] Baren Member blogs: Update Notification (Blog Manager)
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Message 1
From: Julio.Rodriguez # walgreens.com
Date: Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:30:43 GMT
Subject: [Baren 39035] Re: printmaking for kids
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I found this printmaking link for working with kids on different school
projects, mostly K-6 grades. Thought I share it with the group as it has
some good fun projects.

Check it out......

http://www.kinderart.com/printmaking/

thanks...Julio
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Message 2
From: Gayle Wohlken
Date: Thu, 04 Jun 2009 23:35:35 GMT
Subject: [Baren 39036] Re: Printmaking for Kids
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Julio, those ideas look like fun. I might have to try some of that
with my grandson. I don't teach kids like some of the Bareners do,
but I'm sure those who do will enjoy this. Thanks for the link.

~Gayle

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Postings made on [Baren] members' blogs
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Subject: American Shunga
Posted by: Annie B

Keyblock

Today I finished carving the keyblock for my latest print, American Bible Story (John & Priscilla). Above is a shot of the whole 12" x 14" block. I was originally going to call this print "American Adam & Eve" but then a host of other Bible stories wandered into the scene. Keep in mind that this is a mirror image of the final print.

The John and Priscilla figures are based on a shunga print by Utamaro. Shunga, which translates literally as "spring picture," is a Japanese euphemism for erotic art. Shunga is very sexually explicit, both homo- and heterosexual, and often shows exaggerated genitalia. Westerners would classify much of shunga as pornographic. Most of the classical ukiyo-e artists produced shunga in addition to their other work, as it was very profitable.

As soon as I started planning this print, I knew that I wanted to depict John and Priscilla having sex. I wanted to challenge the modern belief that the Puritans were? well, "puritanical." Sexually prudish. While it's true that the Puritans punished sex outside of marriage as well as sexual activities that did not promote conception, like homosexuality and masturbation, they were very enthusiastic about marital sex. Frequent and mutually satisfying sexual activity was not just a right but a duty for both partners in a marriage. Puritans believed that the only legitimate object of sexual activity was procreation, but they also believed that conception required a mutual orgasm and medical texts recommended good food, wine, a relaxed atmosphere and foreplay -- hardly the puritanical attitudes we so blithely accuse our founding fathers and mothers of possessing. (ref. "Sex and Sexuality in Early America" by Merril D. Smith)

The quilt I carved to cover my hunky Puritan ancestor's butt is a pattern called "wedding ring." Another misconception we have is that Colonial American women were all sitting around quilting. Quilting is in fact a very time- and labor-intensive activity and only became an American pastime in the 19th century as leisure time became more abundant.

Next I'll print some proofs of this block, refine the carving where needed, and then use proofs of this keyblock to create a few color blocks.

Here are some links to shunga for those of you who . . .
[Long item has been trimmed at this point. The full blog entry can be viewed here]

This item is taken from the blog Woodblock Dreams.
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Subject: Sorting out the seagull
Posted by: Sue

I was engraving this sitting on my meditation cushion, with the block raised on my burin box (on the coffee table) and the leather pad, using an anglepoise for extra light. It doesn't sound very comfortable but I was able to work for a couple of hours before my knees cried for mercy. I wouldn't normally work like this, but having been ensconced in my studio all day I wanted to keep hubby company in the sitting room. I think it worked well for the short period I needed.

Anyway, I managed to start bringing the seagull out. I shall take him so far but pull a proof before I lighten him too much. I can always engrave away a bit more if he's too dark, but I can't put wood back. I think he's coming along fine. Next, the courtyard scene.

This item is taken from the blog Studio Window.
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