This work on display at St Joseph’s University Council for the Arts until April 18, 2024
Videography by Anthony Matulis IG @AnthonyMatulis
HOLDING SPACE Woodcut: series of V
Image: 23.75 inches x 35.6 inches
Handmade Moriki paper: 24.6 inches x 36.75 inches
Printed at Kathy Caraccio Printing Studio
© 2023 Carol Morrison
Music by Epedemic Sound
This #woodcut (like most of my plates) will go through the press only once. That’s it—one shot to get the color, the inking, pressure on the press—and many details spot on. I don’t pre-plan—no preliminary sketches—my aim to be in the present and trust that images are conjured up in the working of the plate. I am patient with this process—I try to work everyday. Practice helps inspire “the muse” but she can’t do it without me.
I used Japanese handmade paper for this run on the press—paper I had saved for 7 years. Originally purchased from New York Central Art Supply, which was one of the oldest and best-known art supply stores in New York City. They held one of the premier collections of papers from around the world. Located at 62 3rd Ave. - they closed on July 11, 2016 after 111 years of serving students, master printmakers, bookmakers and artists. Their business was a revered part of the art experience for so many. In 2016 when I purchased these (Moriki) papers. I did not know they were handmade in Japan by the Moriki family. I loved their subtle colors and texture. Turns out they are a strong paper with long fibers that take ink so beautifully. I spent what I thought was a ridiculous amount of money on 15 papers--that I stored—taking up precious flat file space—until the moment arrived when this woodcut—the first of this size— matched up perfectly with these papers. That was November 2023. Kathy Caraccio studied Japanese paper making in Japan and so she identified these papers as being the Moriki paper and we talked about the romance we had with Central Art Supply.
The other element in this work is that I continue to be influenced by years as a mechanical artist...It is second nature to think about composition and the x-y axis of the page. Lots of unexpected surprises in this #process as well—keeps me focused on stretching this medium to new explore boundaries.
Email carolmorrison@mindspring.com if you are interested in purchasing my work.
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Thank you to St Joseph’s and Ramona Candy, Director of their Council for the Arts. And so much appreciation to videographer and all/around mensch @anthonymatulis and to my amazing posse and support from photographer @76dagger and cinematographer @cinemava mentor @kathyprint @sjbkcfa @carolmorrisonart @ramonacandy @ofrootandbranch @CreatVActs @Chris_q_q @10grandpress @goloborotko