I’ll return to showing photos from my trip to Italy, but first wanted to post this block print I made this week. I carved the print from a rubbery material that’s easy to carve yet that gives smooth crisp edges. This helps me counter repetitive strain from years of printmaking. I didn’t plan the image ahead of time because I enjoy the energy I get from working more spontaneously. Since returning from Italy, I’ve done a few line drawings of my impressions of Venice and needed to do more work.
As I carved this print, and saw it was an animal, I thought of the terrible recent news from the World Wildlife Fund that the population of wild animals has decreased by 60% since 1970!! I can see the animal in this print being either a ghost of the 60% or one of the 40% whose life may also be imperilled.
Here’s the block and print laid out on wild Mexican oilcloth that covers my work table:
And here’s the print on its own:
Arts of May 
I think he’s one of the 40% and unfortunatley knows it
S/he certainly has a mournful air.
I find it interesting that you can start carving an image and not know what it will be—in this case an animal.
It is an interesting way to work. I just start with a few lines or shapes, see if they remind me of anything or if adding another shape works and go from there. Sometimes it comes together as a work, other times not. It’s the element of surprise I like.
Wonderful enigmatic, sad air to this beast , I love it
Thank you for letting me know, Phil. I’m very glad you love the print. Lily
Thanks Lily, It does feel good to be making again 🙂