Back to the Drawing Board

I'm going to do a new version of the "Loosen the Knots" print. I really appreciate all the feedback. It helped me realize that although there are some technical problems with the first version (color balance isn't too good and the linework I added at the end is heavy), my main reason for disliking the print is about the content. The print, especially the background, doesn't say what I want it to say. I'm thinking of this knot being in the heart, and that background just didn't look like the heart to me. I also want the birds to be more artful, less graphic.

So I begin again. I've analyzed this sketch for 4 blocks and started carving today. Then I'll do some test prints.

Believe it or not, I test printed the last print too, and I thought it was OK in the tests. I think part of what happened for me on that print was that I was longing to find a process that felt more spontaneous and organic than cutting a block for every color area, so I simplified too much. I did enjoy playing with stenciling. I know that will come in handy again. Meanwhile, I won't be throwing that print away - who knows whether I might grow to love it. Or maybe I'll use it for collage!