Exchanges Update 2020

Calendar

Exchange Schedule for 2020:

• Exchange #83 Size Other: 6 X 13 inches, Theme: "Color Field", Sign-up February 9, 2020 - prints due June 30, 2020

• Exchange #84 Size Oban (10 X 15 inches), Theme "OPEN", Sign-up June 1, 2020 - prints due October 31, 2020
  
  
• Exchange #85 Size Other (TBA), Theme "Open", Technique Challenge: Open, Sign-up October 1, 2020 - prints due February 28, 2021

Exchange #83 Update

Medium: Woodblock print--hand rubbed or pulled on a press, any pigments, any paper)

Theme: "Color Field"

Paper: Other: 6 X 13 inches

Registration period: Four weeks starting February 9, 2020

Deadline for finished prints: June 30, 2020

Conversation moving to Google Groups

Google Groups

Due to the changes of Yahoo Groups we no longer have an archive, images and so on. Yahoo has become a mailing list with no way to even see previous conversations or threads, responses and so on. Please note that we will be deleting Barenforum at Yahoo once we are certain everyone has moved.

Sooo...it's off to Google Groups!

Barenforum Google Group home page:

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/barenforum

From there you should be able to sign up pending membership approval. Or you may request an invitation by posting on the Yahoo Group: send an email to baren_forum@yahoogroups.com

Exchanges Update 2018

New Calendar for 2019-2020

As advertised, we changed the exchange calendar to 3 annual exchanges rather than 4. This will allow for fuller exchanges and the management to keep up with the program.

Here is the new and improved
Exchange Index page: http://barenforum.org/exchange/index.html

Baren Exchange #76

Exchange 77

This exchange is due now and for what we hear, participants are rush mailing their prints to our coordinator. Thank you Barbara Mason for taking on the job!
Info: http://barenforum.org/exchange/exchange_77/exchange_77.html

Exchange 78

We are off and running with 27 participants signed up for the last exchange due this calendar year 2018. Coordinator is Maria and the information page is now updated:
http://barenforum.org/exchange/exchange_78/exchange_78.html

Details:
Technique challenge : Multi-panel
Theme: OPEN
Paper size: 9 x 12 inches (23 x 30.5 cm)
Image size: Any size to fit paper (any orientation), any number and shape of panels
Paper type: No restriction
Registration period: CLOSED
Drop-out deadline: October 31, 2018
Delivery deadline for finished prints: November 30, 2018

Galleries!

Don't forget to peruse our galleries, I am catching up on the latest exchange but we are nearly up to date. Many wonderful prints have flown across the world through the years:
http://barenforum.org/exchange/exchanges.html

Julio Rodriguez Exchange 76

Ruth Egnater Exchange 76

Exchange 73 Opens

April 1st

Exchange #73 is now open for sign up! This is in the larger Oban (traditional Japanese) size, and the theme is open so a chance for everyone to create freely in a larger format.

Here is the page link and the info:

Exchange #73 Information page is here.
Sign-up ** OPEN **

• TECHNIQUE CHALLENGE: None
• Medium: Woodblock print--hand rubbed or pulled on a press, any pigments, any paper
• Theme: Open
• Paper: Oban 10 x 15 inches (25.5 x 38 cm)
• Registration period: Four weeks starting April 1, 2017
• Deadline for finished prints: August 1, 2017

Exchange 72

Exchange 72 is well under way, four weeks to complete the prints and send to the coordinator. This unusual paper size yields very interesting prints and we can't wait to see all of them.

Here are some prints from past long-skinny exchange #47:
http://barenforum.org/exchange/exchange_47/exchange_frame.html

Claudia Coonen

Lynita Shimizu

Michael Gaffney

Viza Arlington

Exchanges in the Spring

Exchange #71

We are almost there!
Martha Knox has been faithfully reporting on this exchange on the YahooGroup forum and the prints will be mailed very soon. I can't wait to get my set!

Montage from Exchange#67

Exchange #72

Our Winged exchange is now fully loaded and underway. I love these odd paper-size exchanges because the images reflect the challenge of the different format.
Remember the important drop-out deadline April 1, as there are 3 people on the wait list. Delivery deadline May 1 will be here before you know it!

Here is the link with mailing information:
http://barenforum.org/exchange/exchange_72/exchange_72.html

Technique challenge : None
Theme: "WINGS"
Paper size: other 5 X 11 inches (12.5 x 28 cm)
Image size: Any size to fit paper (any orientation)
Paper type: No restriction
Registration period: CLOSED January 1, 2017 -
Drop-out deadline: April 1, 2017 If you must drop out of the exchange, please do so as early as possible in order to give people on the waiting list time to complete and submit their prints.
Delivery deadline for finished prints: May 1, 2017

Exchanges Status

Exchange #71

This Exchange due February 1st.
Martha Knox, our fearless coordinator, has been posting regular updates on our YahooGroups Forum https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/baren_forum/info.

Some participants are posting their contributions on our Facebook Group as well so check to see everyone's images. Link to the FB group on our website front page: http://barenforum.org

Exchange #72

This exciting exchange has now closed with a full roster of eager printmakers and 3 on the waiting list. Should be a great one! Details:

Theme: "WINGS"
Paper size: other 5 X 11 inches (12.5 x 28 cm)
Image size: Any size to fit paper (any orientation)
Paper type: No restriction


Drop-out deadline: April 1, 2017
Delivery deadline for finished prints: May 1, 2017
http://barenforum.org/exchange/exchange_72/exchange_72.html

Coordinator To Be Announced

Exchange #72 Open for Business!

Happy New Year everyone!

Exchanges Status

Exchange #72 is now open for sign ups
Size Other - 5 X 11 inches (12.5 x 28 cm), Theme: "Wings",
Sign-up January 1, 2017 due May 1, 2017

Here is the info page: http://barenforum.org/exchange/exchange_72/exchange_72.html

Exchange #71 is due February 1, 2017 so everyone get cracking!
Your coordinator is Martha Knox and she is sending frequent messages to the forum so stay in touch with her about your progress.

Exchanges #69 and #70 are now mailed back and the galleries will be updated later this week.

Exchanges Status Report!

Exchange #70

Gillyin Gatto, our awesome coordinator reports that about a dozen sets of prints have been received. Deadline is today November 1st so everyone should be very close to mailing their prints. Thank you for your constant updates on the YahooGroups-Barenforum, Gillyin!

Baren-folk

In addition to this blog, there are various ways to interact with Barenforum.org members and our many many friends!

• YahooGroup Barenforum - the conversation takes place here, exchanges, tips, tricks and updates
• Friends of Baren Facebook Group - where the world gets together to chat about woodblock, woodcut, workshops, and much more
• World of Woodblock Blog - Barenforum.org member blogs
• Barenforum.org -our official headquarters

Exchange #71

This exchange will be closing shortly and is fully loaded with eager printmakers willing to share prints. The theme is open and that always makes an interesting collection showcasing a variety of styles and subjects.

As of this day, 63,900 prints have flown all over the world in the name of sharing woodblock art since Barenforum's founding. That's 30 participants, 30 prints each, 70 exchanges if anyone wants to check my math. Each of the long-time participants owns an astounding collection of nearly 2100 prints from all over the world.

Our Exchange Program lives here: http://barenforum.org/exchange/index.html

Prints from Baren Exchange #67

Cut! Print!

Baren Exchanges continue strong

Baren Exchange #68

Exchange #71 Open for Business

Seventy-one! The resiliency of the Barenforum.org exchange program is amazing. Some members might remember the first few print exchanges, some continue to collect amazing prints from all over the world.
When we celebrated Exchange #50 we already thought that was an astounding achievement and now we are 20 past that and looking forward to #100? Well, one at a time.
For now Exchange #71 is filling quickly.

Exchange Basics

For those who don't know, printmakers traditionally exchange prints on a regular basis and organized print exchanges are very much part of any self-respecting printmaker's life.
Link to the exchanges:
http://barenforum.org/exchange/index.html

Exchange Galleries

Browse Barenforum.org's astounding collection of prints from the world over.
http://barenforum.org/exchange/exchanges.html

The making of a Hermes Scarf - modern method

There's been some lively discussion on our forum regarding the old process of making Hermes scarfs using woodblocks. Found a few printmaking videos on YT that show current silkscreen printmaking methods. These were taken at Hermes' "Festival des Metiers" at 583 Park Avenue with silk maker Kamel Hamadou in 2012.







Here is one video from Beckford For more info and photos go to: Festival des Metiers

Here is an additional video from a production run for Beckford Silk

Tom Killion - woodblock Printmaker

Back in 2009 I attended a presentation/workshop by California printmaker Tom Killion at the Columbia College in Chicago. His prints and many books had been an inspiration to me and my interest in woodcblock printmaking. You can go to the Baren archives and see photos from that day here: Tom Killion workshop


Here are some short online video clips from around that time with Tom describing his process and inspiration.








Tom Killion's website is at: http://tomkillion.com/

Printmaker Katsutoshi Yuasa's

Japanese artist Katsutoshi Yuasa's Woodcut Print. In these two videos the artist shows the creation and hand-printing of a very large print and explains the thoughs and motivation behind his art work.





For more info and images by this artist go to: www.katsutoshiyuasa.com

Chinese woodblock printmaking - video 1984

Found this short gem among the video library of the University of South Carolina. The film dates to 1984 and shows a group of woodblock printers at work.

Notice the huge difference between the brushes and baren used by the chinese printers versus the tools used by traditional Japanese printmakers. Also you can see that some of the printers are printing single sheets from a stack of paper while others use a technique were the sheets of paper are held/clamped to the desk at one end and the printer simply turns the sheets one at a time like pages in a big book.

To see the video go to: Chinese woodblock printmaking video

You can click on the enlarge button to see 'full screen'.

Demonstration by woodblock printmaker Paul Binnie - Toledo Museum of Art

This is a recent video uploaded by the Toledo Museum of Art so not sure how many of you have seen it. "On Thursday, November 21, 2013, contemporary Japan-trained woodblock print artist Paul Binnie presented an illustrated talk about the historical and technical aspects of woodblock printmaking in Japan from the 7th century to the present day. He also gave a live demonstration of Japanese printing methods."

Some old Baren members may remember Paul's occassional posts on our forum. Its a long video with the first half hour talking about the history of Japanese printmaking, discussion of tools and photos of Paul's studio setup. The last part is a fun demonstration were Paul prints the color blocks for two color variations of the same image. Enjoy !

"City of the World" and "Fantastic Garden" Exhibition in UK

Barener Harry French from the UK has arranged for a exhibition of two of Maria Arango Diener's collaborative print projects.

"The Bishop Grosseteste, University of Lincoln, UK. exhibition areas are dominated by ”The city of the world” and “Fantastic garden” collaborative prints. Examples of Baren exchanges : Myths; typography; Alphabet and Influential printmakers are also in a framed exhibition that will changed regularly throughout the spring term."

Harry reports that initial reports are extremely encouraging and comments are very favourable. You can see more exhibit photos at Harry's website: Collaborative Prints Exhibit

For more information on Maria's amazing collaborative print projects visit her website at:www.1000woodcuts.com

Wood carver - Motoharu Asaka

Thanks to barener Annie Bissett for posting on Facebook this Crane.tv video of carver Motoharu Asaka.

Click here Motoharu Asaka

Printmaker Antonio Frasconi (1919 - 2013)

Legendary artist, Antonio Frasconi  died January 8th at the age of 93 at his home in Norwalk, Connecticut. Frasconi had a long and prestigious career as one of the America's greatest printmakers. Working primarily in wood, he illustrated over 100 books, album covers, Christmas cards, magazine illustrations and even a US postage stamp.

Click here to see images of Frasconi's work.

I found this short video and a great writeup on Frasconi's career at the  Letterology blog. Check it out, is a great tribute to a great printmaker:

http://letterology.blogspot.com/2013/01/lasting-impressions.html 

Interview with Living National Treasure - Echizen Washi : Ichibei Iwano IX

This YouTube video from 2010 shows an interview with paper maker Iwano Ichibei. This is the paper that David Bull and many other professional printmakers use and is considered the best paper for traditional Japanese printmaking.



There is a website link here to the Takipaper website: http://www.takipaper.jp/user_data/washi-shokunin-echizen-ii_01.php

It has more photos of Iwano-san. It is only in Japanese but it looks like you would be able to order paper from them.

Kristina Hagman - woodblock printmaker

California woodblock printmaker Kristina Hagman demonstrates wood block printmaking using a Vandercook Proofing press at the Art Center College, Pasadena California. Showing wood blocks from the print series "36 Views of Mount Rainier" and "West coast Canada to Mexico".



For more info and to see a gallery of prints visit Kristina's website

Awash in Color: French and Japanese Prints

A current exhibit at the Smart Museum of Art (The University of Chicago); "Awash in Color" explores the roles, functions, and technology of color in French and Japanese prints. It features more than one hundred and thirty prints and illustrated books dating from the eighteenth to twentieth centuries, drawn from the Smart Museum’s substantial holdings as well as major public and private collections across the country. The exhibit runs from October 4, 2012 to January 20, 2013.

Top: Henri Rivière, Vegetable Garden at Ville-Hue (Saint-Briac), 1890, From the Breton Landscapes, Color woodblock print printed from eight blocks on eighteenth-century Japanese laid paper. For more info visit Smart Museum of Art website.