How I made this print
On one of my visits to Japan I brought back a frog ornament for my grandma, and I‘ve always loved how its simplicity and rotundity give it such character. 30 odd years later, my grandma (now 93) still has the frog on a shelf amongst her geranium plants, and I couldn’t resist the opportunity to feature him in a print. Incidentally, in Japanese culture the frog (kaeru) is a symbol of good fortune (– just maybe not for the fruit fly!)
This print has a few different versions (see also full colour, or blue/green). To make this version of the print, the outline of the design was carved in relief on a flat, smooth block of cherry wood. A second block was then cut for the main body of colour in the frog. These blocks were used to print all the colours that make up the image. During printing, the surface of a carved block is inked with water-based pigment inks using a sponge, and the impression is then taken by placing a piece of Zerkall paper on the block and pressing on the back of the sheet using a Japanese hand-printing pad called a baren. In this version, using 6 colours, 2 carved blocks, and a stencil, the paper has been printed on a minimum of 9 times to build up all the layers to create the final image. I’ve also added my embossed signature seal to complete the piece.
Every print in the batch is made in the same way, but as each time the block is inked and pressed slightly differently, the result is a succession of seemingly identical but actually unique prints – each and every one of them is an individual handcrafted and original work of art.
Further Details
Print size is 3.5″ x 2.5″ (9cm x 6.5cm) approx. (This is ACEO size). If you’re interested in ACEO size prints you might also like my Hiroshige’s Irises print.
The print comes mounted and ready to frame, with double bevel-cut mount – overall size is 8″ x 10″ (20.5cm 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.
