Work in Progress - January 2006

New House, New Press

"The new Takach intaglio press"

Hello folks - I know I haven't updated this blog for a long time. One reason that I have been neglecting this portion of the Balletart.Com website has been my February, 2005 purchase of a home - which I have been converting to a studio, including the installation (in November 2005) of a fine, new Takach intaglio printing press. It is a delight to be able to work all night, walk into the studio, and proof a plate (note the "Lala" edition on the pressbed and drying in the background). Takach Corporation of Albuquerque, New Mexico makes some of the finest presses in the world, and this beauty of a press will allow me to develop images up to 18 by 24 inches in size. Stay tuned for lots of new images and editions!

"We All Forget" Photograveure on copper, printed on on Arches White Paper (December 2005)

Here is an example of a real long-term project...the drawing for the "We All Forget" image was done in the early 1980s, while I was developing ideas for an illustrated novel - After setting it aside for years, I partnered with Hare and Hound Press to transform the drawing into an intaglio print via photograveure on copper. I began to print the plate as an edition in December 2005, and have not quite completed the edition yet (I keep getting distracted by other projects, plus I performed in two Shakespeare plays and one ballet during the same period).

"Backstage" Copper etching on Arches Buff Paper (December 2005)

I have also been experimenting with etching again (more complicated than drypoint engraving, etching provides much more flexibility in image creation). The image above, "Backstage" is of Slauka Ladewig, a well-respected Mexican ballerina who I got to know well during her stint as a guest artist with the UTEP Ballet last year. An image of this print was recently published in BorderSenses magazine in Fall 2005. I love standing backstage and watching dancers watching dancers - a common theme of mine, but one I re-visit with pleasure.

"LaLa" Copper Drypoint on Arches White Paper (December 2005)

The dance world is a small one, and I have been staying in touch with some of my friends who have retired from their careers with various dance companies. One of my favorites is a former dancer nicknamed "Lala", who now runs a business and is raising a family in San Francisco. I had been in California to visit in September of 2005, so I decided to do a print of her as a surprise. This simple drypoint engraving on copper (above) is of her checking her makeup - and is my way of saying hello and best wishes to her and her family.

   
B. H. Giza as Julius Caesar (with Ginny) and as Grandpa in the Nutcracker (with Leti).

So-o-o here is the artist in costume from a Shakespeare play (Julius Caesar), and the Nutcracker (as Grandpa in Act I). Ginny and Leti provide additional relief for the eyes.

"B. P. 2" Copper Drypoint on Arches White Paper (January 2006)

I was going to go out on New Year's, but drew this drypoint portrait of a friend instead. The challenge in a portrait like this is bringing out the warmth and sensitivity (and beauty) of the model. Well, I try. Happy New Year everyone.

Link to the previous August 2004 Work in Progress Page

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