How I made this print
I’ve created this woodblock print of a chaffinch by individually printing it by hand onto Japanese Kanoko paper. It’s based on a photo I took of a chaffinch on a branch whilst walking near Threave Castle.
I used Japanese tools to carve into pieces of flat, smooth wood to create the printing blocks. I printed each colour from these blocks using water-based pigment inks and a series of stencils. During the printing process, I apply ink to a block, and then lay the paper onto it. I then press on the back of the paper using a Japanese hand-printing press called a baren. In total, the sheet of paper has been printed on at least 18 times. This is to achieve the variety and depth of colour of the final image.
Every print in a batch is made in the same way, but each time the block is inked and pressed slightly differently. This results in a succession of seemingly identical but actually unique prints – each and every one is an individual, hand crafted and original work of art.
Further Details
This woodblock print of a Chaffinch is one of several featuring birds. If you like this one, have a look at others, such as the Koson prints: Egret, or Rooster and Hen; or versions of the Oyster Catchers (monochrome, pale blue or dark blue).
When the print is finished, I blind print my chop seal and signature seal in the corner so they appear to be embossed.
Print size is 4″ x 4″ (10cm x 10cm) approx.
The print comes mounted and ready to frame, with double bevel-cut mount – overall size is 10″ x 10″ (25.5cm x 25.5cm) approx.
I mount the print onto the backing board using photo corners. I also attach an information sheet explaining how the print was made on the reverse.
The print comes packaged in a crystal clear cellophane bag. I send prints in a board-backed envelope by Royal Mail.
