I recently completed an edition, it taking me a few days to come up with a title, which is “Nestle”.
I started working on the image by drawing directly on the block, using reference photos I had taken of nests found around our Lumen Lake home.
I ended up using this winter photo as a primary resource for the nest details.
I originally thought of using this feather image, a drypoint intaglio print for a Christmas card Jeanne and I made (circa 1980s).
I decided to use a feather as my “model” when I continue to develop the drawing on the boxwood lobed round.
Here the drawing about complete on the ink-toned block surface.
The feather was engraved first, and then the silhouetted nest edges second.
Next, weaving the nest with engraved lines.
I first printed an edition on my Albion press, utilizing makeready and printing on dampened paper.
After printing the edition, I continued printing, this time on dry paper, for a collaborative effort with wood engraving friends.