Sylvia Pixley - "The Creek Behind the Cottage #1" Woodcut

"The Creek Behind the Cottage #1"
Woodcut.
10" x 13" Framed.


Sylvia Pixley - Toledo Artist

The Process of Wood Engraving

I begin with sketches, photographs, and research materials to develop a working design. This design is transferred, in reverse to a very smooth end grain block of maple wood. I begin carving out the white areas with different sizes of wood engraving tools, called burins. They produce very narrow to very wide white lines. I have finished carving a block in a week, but it usually takes me three weeks for an average block. I complete 10-18 blocks a year. To print a proof (a sample), a brayer (roller) is used to spread a thin layer of oil-based printing ink on the surface of the block, coating the uncarved, raised areas. Paper is placed on top of the block and...

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