08 June 2009

Testing New Registration Board

One of the things that's annoying about the otherwise brilliant Japanese kento method of registration, is that you have to allow an extra 1/2 inch or more of height and width for the kento cuts on every block, so you can't use the entire block for image area. I've decided to try the new registration boards from McClain's so that the kento is separate from my blocks and I can use the entire board for image only.

For this first experiment I've used artist's tape for a kento rather than permanently cutting into the wood. Here's the block nestled into the registration jig.

RegistrationBoard

I took a few proofs of the keyblock on some very thin Japanese paper, which I'll then paste onto fresh blocks to make color separations. Because the paper is so thin, I printed by rolling on waterbased Akua intaglio ink rather than using sumi ink the moku hanga style. That way I could print dry to avoid distortion of the delicate paper.

KeyblockProofs

Before I paste the prints onto the new blocks I'll be refining some of the lines on the keyblock.

ProofCloseup

6 comments:

mizu designs said...

Brilliant! I've often been frustrated with that kento space on my blocks too. It does feel like such a waste. Hope your new method works out.

Leslie Moore said...

I love that foot sticking out from the quilt. And I'll look forward to hearing about how your registration boards work. I used your wheat paste recipe for pasting hanshita to block. Only took three tries! I should have paid more attention in class.

Gelsey said...

I LOVE this print so far! Both in the concept and execution, I think it might be my favorite of your work that I've seen so far.

Amanda said...

I think these are rather lovely just as is. The delicate fine black line drawing and the translucency of the paper work together beautifully.

Annie B said...

Thanks Amanda. I like them like this too. I'm thinking of doing an edition in just one color, black or a very dark brown.

abarefootboy said...

Wonder full print Anni. I too love the foot free from the quilt. I guess we all paint or write or sing what we know. :o)

I am a sumi-e artist exploring the web and came upon your site which is another treasure for the artist's studio. Thank you for your work.