PROOFING GIANT ISOPOD

The process of making a print involves periodically printing the block or plate that's being created. This is very important, especially when creating a wood engraving, because it's difficult to tell what the engraving work on the block is going to look like when printed until a print is pulled from the block. Now that a view of the status is available, decisions are made as to where to engrave further and where to leave it alone. Keeping in mind that once wood has been removed, it can't be replaced. The print can also be drawn upon with white ink to simulate engraving, giving a view of what will happen "if". Then further engraving proceeds.

This is a photograph taken of the Giant Isopod block and the first proof together.

After studying the proof and considering the options, a little more engraving is done until it seems time to see the results of the changes again. Here is the block and second proof together. (Notice that the image pulled from the block is a reversal of the image on the block; harder to notice since the image in this case is somewhat symmetrical.)

Between each proof it's a process of decisions, decisions, decisions. then it's back to engraving the block. The changes that took place between the first and second proof were minor and not easily seen in these two photos. After the first proof, the dark area between the claws on either side was left untouched just in case an idea came as to what might go in there. Probably nothing will go in there and it will be removed. But JUST IN CASE, it's best to wait.

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT

Another old saying ("waste not, want not") comes to mind. Trashing the Star-Nosed Mole block, that was ruined during engraving, didn't make sense. End grain blocks are too costly to throw away, so, with a little manipulating a new image was laid out on the untouched area of the block and it is now in the process of joining the other Aliens of Planet Earth series as Giant Isopod. Check the website to see the finished Star-Nosed Mole print.

Here are a couple of views of the progress of Giant Isopod so far:

The first is the drawing on the freshly sanded and stained block and the second view is the shortened block after a few days of engraving.