Monday, August 24th, 2009
printing fabric
marfa path print, ink wood block print on wool
Thank you all so much for the nice comments about my new studio. I’m still in shock that I actually get to work there everyday. And even when it gets messy, it’s so fun to clean up I don’t mind:)
Ever since I made the ink blot prints, I’ve wanted to try printing some more fabric. I’ve been experimenting a bit lately, trying to achieve something that is textural rather than figural.
This is a wood block print, inspired by the drawing I made of my path past the concrete boxes on my trip to Marfa, Texas.
I love how you can see the wood grain in the ink, which gives it even more texture. I also like the irregular amount of ink that occurs in the printing. I think this gives it a lot of depth. This is printed on a lightweight woven wool, which I like for the varigated quality and drape. I also printed it on denim, which is quite nice and textural too.
Two books that I recently acquired about fabric printing that I found extremely helpful:
Printing by Hand, by Lena Corwin
Fabric Printing, by Lotti Lauterburg (this one is from 1959 and out of print, but so cool)
marfa path print detail, ink wood block print on wool
on Monday, August 24th, 2009 at 11:41 am:
looks nice. It’s funny how we thought of similar shapes while block printing…see!
on Monday, August 24th, 2009 at 11:42 am:
lovely. I love when the grain of the wood shows in the print.
on Monday, August 24th, 2009 at 11:50 am:
Fun! I like the direction you’re taking this. Oh, and Printing By Hand is on my wish list so someday I may ask to borrow it now that you let the cat out of the bag.
on Monday, August 24th, 2009 at 11:59 am:
You are so inspiring
thanks for reminding me to print by hands again!
on Monday, August 24th, 2009 at 3:22 pm:
these look really wonderful, martha! i love the texture of the wood grain. i have lena’s book, but just seem to stare at it.
on Monday, August 24th, 2009 at 9:30 pm:
I love this
thank you for sharing it. It fascinates me how the fabric interacts with the wood blocks. I do a lot of wood blocking myself and I’m continually experimenting with different weaves. If you do this on felt, you can pick off threads of felt and alter the surface patterning… so yummy! Great post. Kylie x
on Monday, August 24th, 2009 at 9:43 pm:
I love your print, Martha. Everything you do is so thoughtful and inspiring.
on Monday, August 24th, 2009 at 9:58 pm:
the irregularity in this print is so lovely. and the texture. yum. there is no substitute for hand printing, is there.
on Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 at 8:07 am:
thank you! printing is really fun -you should all try it.
Nidhi -I love your print -so colorful and bright!
on Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 at 8:43 am:
how very wonderful. i think i’d like to learn to make prints.
on Thursday, August 27th, 2009 at 12:52 am:
Wow, I really really like this!
on Sunday, August 30th, 2009 at 9:35 am:
so inspiring…
love the textures…
i purchased
those 2 books
but
sadly
have not
found the time
or space
to print…
but,
as usual,
you are such
an inspiration!
xo