Archive 2018 | mysite

Robert Flinkman

Memory

wood block print on masa paper

8" X 6"

2018

November 3rd, 2018 Saturday

I've started making an edition of ten of the self-portrait I did from the wood block, 8" X 6", entitled, Memory. I'm really quite excited about this new medium, carving on wood blocks. I get real satisfaction with the slowly carving out the images on the wood, slowly, meditatively, really becoming one with the process, sensing the grain in the wood. It's all very satisfying. I enjoy doing the proofs, studying the results on Japanese masa paper, then going back, maybe refining some more areas. Quite honestly the proofs for me are as much a part of the actual edition - they all share the same creative process. The wood block also represents an emotional and psychological expression I find very satisfying.

I finished rereading a selection of stories by Kafka published during his lifetime. Now I'm rereading The Trial, an incredibly powerful work, so surreal, expressionistic, and yet a real situation that I'm sure has been experienced by some people today, a single individual slowly thwarted by forces beyond his control, alienated by and from society, at odds in some ways with his own perceptions of what is happening to him. The futility of trying to find answers and to understand what is happening to him.

Robert Flinkman

Manayunk

wood block print on masa paper

8" X 6"

2018

November 11th, 2018 Sunday

I'm really very excited about my work in wood block printing. I'm currently working on a piece of pine, 8" X 6", the scene is very much similiar to the painting, Manayunk. Unsure as to the title of this piece, perhaps there may just be no title - unsure - though the basis for this work is similiar to the painting. I really become a true part of the creative process - slowly, gradually carving out the wood, letting the grain and the process itself guide me, sensing the carving as it happens. I'm looking forward to the first proof - always exciting! I'm going to go to Lowe's and purchase some poplar, cut a couple of pieces before it gets too cold to go out to do it.

Robert Flinkman

The Way of All Things

wood block print on masa paper

9" X 73/4"

2018

December 6th, 2018 Thursday

Started carving on the poplar today, having already transfered the images on to the surface. Before carving, I enhanced the design a little more with pencil. I'm really letting the process of carving and the feel of the wood help guide me. I'm really deriving alot of satisfaction from this - a gradual, slow, pensive process of creativity.

In the early afternoon I headed over to the Albuquerque Museum to see the latest exhibit, Visions of the Hispanic World, Treasures from the Hispanic Society Museum and Library. I was absolutely impressed with the rich variety of artwork shown here, this part only displays artwork starting from the pre-Roman through the 17th century. I viewed works by El Greco, Velazquez, Murillo, gorgeous gold jewelry, religious sculpture, beautifully illuminated manuscripts, hand painted glazed earthenware. There are documents signed by Charles V, Elizabeth of England, Rubens and Velazquez. Also there were metal work and pottery from pre-Roman times. Also to be seen was artwork from the colonies in Central and South America. This exhibit really covers the entire HIspanic world from all corners during this time. Later in the month will be shown Part II, works by Goya through the 1920s in Spain. A must see!!! As I understand this exhibit was previously shown at the Prado in Madrid. ALbuquerque is the first city showing this exhibit in North America.