It is said that the invention of block printing brought about the rise of civilization. Something so simple managed to change the course of human history. I think of that every time I begin a new block print.
At first glance, block printing seems very simplistic and it is true that young artists can carve their first blocks from Styrofoam, erasers and even potatoes. A single design can be printed on any surface in almost any color and as many times as you like. I love that block printing can excite my students just as much as any high-tech digital program, giving them concrete, immediate results.
At the same time, I also love to explore paper sculpture, traditional painting, metalsmithing, sewing and digital painting. I think being an art teacher has really been instrumental in making me grow as an artist since I have to do a ton of research and prep before presenting a successful unit to my students!
Living by the ocean has also given me a new awareness of how fragile our environment is and how much we humans could do to help, even if it's as little as picking up one piece of garbage while enjoying the beach. Using my art to help is an amazing feeling.
As for the ArtCat: two of my four rescued cats delighted in 'helping' me with my printing. Fur, chewed paper edges and paw prints regularly appeared on my work table until I finally acquired a separate studio space with a door to keep them out. One of the biggest reasons I have never used oil based ink is because they used to paddle their 7-toed paws in my palette and then dash off, leaving ombre tracks for me to follow.