I printed my first proof of “Maíz”, my current wood engraving inspired by braided heirloom corn seen in Oaxaca, Mexico. I continue to engrave areas using the printed proof as a guide to areas I want to lighten.
Wisconsin Craft Biennial Opening Reception
About a month ago I, along with Jeanne and her sister Nancy, attended the opening reception of the Wisconsin Craft Biennial Exhibit, at the Plymouth Arts Center, in Plymouth, Wisconsin. Erol Reyal, who was taking photos at the reception kindly shared a few photos he took, which I will share here. Two of my wood engravings were selected, “Storied Stone” and “Aloft”.
Nancy Debbink, Jeanne Debbink and Tony Drehfal (with his wood engravings).
Rare photo of reclusive wood engraver.
A view of Lake Michigan, before sunrise, the day after the opening reception, seen from where we lodged overnight.
Winter Solstice Bonfire Dragon
I took a few week break from wood engraving to help build a bonfire sculpture of a dragon. This was for the Winter Solstice gathering held at the Northwoods Community Garden located on the grounds of Nicolet College in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.
The wood used, selected from piles wood from trees that died along our shoreline on Lumen Lake. (Areas that flooded killing the trees.)
The dragon’s skin was created from dried stalks and stems harvested from the Community Garden.
The sculpture’s raw material in a workshop space we used at ArtStart in Rhinelander, where my printmaking studio is located.
A challenge, no nails or screws could be used, and it took me some time learning to build with crooked wood. Here the upper and lower parts of the jaw.
Having our daughter Anne (left) join Jeanne and I for a day esulted with bringing the dragon head to life. We made a great team.
The dragon’s body panels, front, back and sides were next.
As I worked on the bones, Jeanne, with the help of Anne and dragon making team member Debbie, attached the skin.
We used a welded steel Peace Sign sculpture to serve as the support for the dragon, building a place to mount the head, and then lean the four sides on. Here test fitting the side that had a low access panel (where I would light the firewood stacked inside the creature).
Jeanne working on adding sticks out of the back of the dragon’s head. It was quite cold the day we assembled the dragon. I love the legs and clawed feet that Jeanne had built.
Another view, almost ready for the bonfire that occurred the following day.
The night of the bonfire Nicolet College had the dragon lit by blue and red spotlights. (Photo by Nate Sheppard)
Here I am using a bellows to get the kindling burning. (Photo by Nate Sheppard)
Once the fire got going, it quickly turned into a respectable bonfire. (Photo by Nate Sheppard)
The skin of stalks and stems burned off exposing the bones, Nate Sheppard took this photo from this side of the dragon.
Anne took this photo from the other side.
The sticks and branches that were doweled together remained in place much longer than I expected. I estimated that I used over 600 dowels to assemble the dragon.
When the dragon was completely consumed by the flames, the Peace Sign sculpture emerged. Many folks gathered around the glowing coals, to warm up (it was a very cold evening) and to celebrate Winter Solstice.
Màiz in Progress
My current long term wood engraving, working on a Jim Reynolds made end-grain type-high Sugar Maple block.
The block first was toned with a wash of diluted blue ink. I then used a 005 Pigma Micron marker to ink a detailed drawing.
Engraving begins, what is cut away with the burin appears almost white to see my progress. the toned block lets me view my drawing as well as what I engrave.
Much farther along, the braided husks and the stone metate texture engraved. I will re-enter many of the lines to lighten parts of the image. Printed, many of these lines and textures will appear much darker in tone. Here too shows the beginning of engraving the corn kernels.
It is a creative challenge to portray the different varieties of Oaxaca corn.
A closer look. I have plenty of more engraving to do.