SECRET CODEWORDS OF THE NSA: FISHBOWL
woodblock print (mokuhanga)
6" x 6" (152.4 x 152.4 mm)
7 layers of color plus blind emboss on Kochi Kozo paper
edition: 20
Boy, they're not kidding with the fishbowl imagery. I started this piece with a fish in a bowl, but then I realized that the bowl was unnecessary because it's all a fishbowl, no matter where we go. We leave little data trails everywhere -- our cars, our phones, our laptops. Just try to jump out.
The NSA's fishbowl project isn't really about surveillance, though. It's a mobile phone architecture that can provide Voice over IP (VoIP) capability secure enough to be approved for transmitting classified information. The interesting thing about fishbowl is that the secure connection is created using only commercial grade products. That means that even you and I could do it! If we knew how, that is.
I'd also like to note that this is my first mokuhanga fish. I don't think one can really consider oneself an artist in the Japanese woodblock tradition until one has printed a fish, so I feel that I've crossed a threshold.
6 comments:
I love this fish! You have definitely reached new Moku Hanga heights!
It's kind of a small fish for a threshold.....
Beautifully done. Very watercolor-y. The embossing and colors are working very well with the laid lines of the paper. Nice crisp colors and this really pops. Will look great next to dishfire.
Maybe you're right, Andrew. But it's baby steps all the way. Thanks for the nice feedback, both of you.
This little fish is looking quite content to be in his bowl - or is it that I just don't speak fish? Lovely print, Annie, and "you have arrived!" Although, personally, I think you have been here for quite a while...
Thanks, Sharri. If the little fish doesn't look upset enough, that works for me. I don't think we're upset enough about the ways in which our privacy is threatened, and we're quite content with our devices and toys.
Wholeheartedly agree. We text away our privacy and are more than happy to oblige. sigh.
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