"Bagels" Reduction Wood Cut
This reduction wood cut is part of a limited series of 15. They are all made from a single, hand-carved wood block. A reduction print is made by printing a single layer of ink, carving away part of the block, printing a second color, and so on. The parts of the wood that are carved away will allow the previously printed color to shine through.
"Bagels" was printing using oil-based ink.
Dimensions:
18" x 18" printed area (for framing purposes)
22.5" x 22.5" paper
The more colors in a reduction print, the more layers have to be printed. This requires extreme precision in lining up the paper with the wood block, or "registration," to ensure accurate placement of the paper. Therefore, the more colors in a reduction print, the more difficult a print is to make successfully.
This print is extremely complex in planning and execution. Over 12 weeks, I designed, planned, and executed the printing of this limited series. Using a meticulous registration process, I lined up each of the prints in a total of 7 times, printing a new color each time. Between printings, I hand carved the new sections for the imagery.
For example:
I carved the outline of all donuts first. These outlines act as the base shapes for the donuts. I considered the order of colors printed based on the opacity of the ink and where each color needed to be placed. I printed yellow first, since it would not be able to cover up other colors below it. In the center yellow donut, after printing the yellow, I proceeded to carve away any areas I wanted to stay yellow. I left the sprinkles and outer edge of the donut in a raised position (similar to a stamp) to print the next colors.
In the following images, I include examples of the various layers of color that were printed. Not all layers are represented.
This print is inspired by the Pop Art movement. In a similar fashion, the title of the print is "Bagels." The imagery in the print is clearly colorful donuts. However, the title of "Bagels" adds an extra sense of humor to the print. In contrast to the Pop Art movement's use of manufacturing techniques like screen printing, this print is made in the laborious old-world fashion of wood carving. This contrasts the very graphic style of the donuts.
While this print is very detail-oriented and complex, the surface feels very whimsical. The bright colors balance each other perfectly for a well-styled piece.
I hope you enjoy this print as much as I do. It is one of my favorite artworks I have made thus far, and I can never make any more. Since I used a method of reduction in a physical wood block, the block has been carved away, so no more of these can be made again. Therefore, there are only 15 in existence , and only 6 left for sale. I am glad you have the chance to order one for yourself.
Please note:
This print is part of a series of the same imagery. However, each print is unique due to its own printing cycle. Each print may vary slightly from the picture shown. This print is sold without a frame.
