Seven Days: First Flame. Large woodblock print, Unique Colour Variation 10

"Seven Days: First Flame" Size: 21" x 15.5" (53cm x 39cm) A large woodblock print, one of a series "Seven Days", using variations of similar motifs: hands, archway, bowl, the elements, to reflect the seven days of creation described in the first chapter of Genesis. An archetypal act of creation, echoed in every artistic activity. The bowl as a symbol is one I am continually drawn back to using. Its simple form and function is a symbol most redolent of the nature of life and existence, container and contained, empty and full, a reflection of earth and sky, and so on. This print uses my unique signature style of printing onto paper prepared with gold and metallic paste. It looks back to the use of gilding in many forms of medieval art. The accidental and unplanned play a large part in my work process, allowing for unexpected conjunctions and views. There is no way of knowing, using such large blocks and printing by hand, how the inks will transfer onto the metallic surface. Different areas will stand out or become obscured. This play of visibility and invisibility, clarity and obscurity, adds a certain patina of mystery and is reminiscent of the passing down of imagery and knowledge through time. Each print is unique, even if the same range of print inks are used, and rather than being part of a numbered edition, each is a numbered Unique Colour Variation. This print is UCV10, signed and titled. There is a small gold border around the printed area and unprinted white to the paper edge. This print will be supplied rolled in a print tube. Care needs to be taken with the delicate printed surface until it is mounted under glass.