Portrait of a Wary Bird

This is a proof of my most recent block print. I’ve been using this blue water-based ink for proofing because it’s easy to clean up. It gives me enough of an idea of the shapes and textures to see if I need to make any changes. For completed prints I use a washable oil based ink that’s more sensitive.

I never know what I will see in a print until I’ve printed it. To me this bird looks somewhat suspicious, perhaps rightfully so. What is going on over his or her shoulder that we don’t see in the print but can feel or imagine? There’s a story here that I may explore further.