Horn Tootin'

 It became official last Wednesday, with the reveal of the Erie County Fair Commemorative Poster, the first one ever selected from entries in a contest held last winter. I am so honored to be part of the history of the Fair, I could burst.

Photo Parade

The original concept.

 

After finalizing the drawing, I make a tracing on tracing paper to lay over the block. This helps me to keep things aligned color to color, a process called "register" or "registration."

Using carbon paper, I trace over the tracing paper and transfer the image onto the block.

After carving out the lines, I mix the ink. I am, by trade, an ink technician for a printing company, so this is my favorite part.

After rolling the ink onto the block, I place paper over the block...

....int it goes into this cast iron press. I know of only one other printmaker who uses a cast iron press to make reduction woodcuts.

And the result!

Many layers of ink later, a poster is born!