Purity and Virtue-A Balance of Technique and Content

I doubted the process of lithography since the first day I was introduced to it. I did not understand why I would draw an image onto a Bavarian limestone and then transfer it onto paper. It seemed to make more sense to just draw the image onto the paper. The process of litho is physically intenese and full of steps. It seemed too technical for my liking. The first two lithos that I produced turned out exactly how they looked on the rock. It was not until I rolled up this rock that I really experienced the spontaneity and unpredictability that litho has to offer. Well actually I was just pretty irate when I realized that a drawing that I had worked so hard on didnt turn out how I predicted it to(or how it looked on the stone.) Once I came to terms with the "destroyed" images that began to appear on paper I began to accept them more and more. The process of working backwards with the acid and other materials was a true learning experience. During our critique we discussed the unpredictibility of lithography and how that can be such an important component of the final result. I have had a really hard time comprehending this because I am used to using such direct mediums. The suspense of rolling any type of print through a press and unveiling an image that may look completly different from a copper plate or stone is amazing, and I am eager to continue on my printmaking journey.

More about the image...
As I reflect on this image I am reminded of a conversation that I had with a good friend/artist a couple of monthes ago at a tavern downtown in which he reminded me of some important things. The conversation was centered around the importance of relationships, how relationships are influence people, how taking risks is important, how people learn a great deal about themselves through others, and of course like many other things, how relationships can influence art. None of my art prior to this litho have been about a relationship with someone other than myself or included another figure. Art has given me the chance to learn so much about myself serving as a personal function of self discovery. This is why I feel that it was necessary to include this important figure in my print. The movement and expression that I worked with helped me to enjoy this process and feel/express the strong connection between the figures in the print.

A Good Friend
I was unsure about adding photography to a blog that was supposed to be centered around prints. However, I have decided that a lot of my photography has influenced my prints. I also think that it is interesting to see the similarities and differences between the two contrasting mediums.