I was all set to take a woodcut class in Sheboygan, at EBCO Artworks, this neat co-op space that also houses Sheboygan Visual Artists. It's only about 35 miles from my house, so it's also very convenient!
I got a message from Angie Zimmerman, who was to teach the class, that I was the only one who signed up. But instead of cancelling the class, she asked me if I wanted to take private lessons.
WOULD I?!?!? Naturally, I jumped at the chance! :D
I met Angie back in August, when I was one of three artists for the inaugural Lunchtime Art Talks series, hosted by our mutual friend, Frank Juarez. We hit it off right away, and I knew that taking one-on-one lessons with Angie would not only be really informative and helpful, but also a blast!
I was right! :D I got some really helpful tips, like using a rubbing of your in-progress wood cut instead of doing a full-on proof - it's quicker, less messy, and gives you the same result. She also showed me the differences a cut can make in your wood block, which you can see from some crayon rubbings, here (which are actually pretty cool in their own right!):
I never would've noticed the markings or lines on my wood block if Angie hadn't shown me how to do this! :D
We've only had one lesson so far, with more to come soon. But I was SO psyched from our first lesson that I went home and started this block of wheat "ears".
For me, the act of carving wood is so meditating, it's a wonderful process in and of itself. Now that I'm armed with some more knowledge, it's become even more enjoyable!! Can't wait 'til our next lesson - thank you so much, Angie! :D
