Two-Plate Printing

I actually went into my art room today and did a test run of two plates! I don't like the result, but that's ok. I am posting two photos, one of the first cardboard etch while still in the press and the second the finished print with the collagraph added to the etch. Firstly, I don't like the cardboard etch as it doesn't wipe clean the same way as a metal etch but if that doesn't matter then it could be used. I was intending for the branches to be in the background so maybe I need to try this again with the collagraph printed first and the etched branches second. It might just be my rusty brain not thinking in the right (printmaking) order!

I will post again tomorrow - I need to keep this roll going!

Artist's Block

Time has been flashing past me as I have been in a 'blue fog' of indecision and frustration, wondering what I am doing and why. I have lost my sense of direction and am struggling with a too busy mind trying to get back on track. Panic has taken hold and I am having difficulty getting back into my studio space and starting to work again. I know that once I get in there and start to make my marks I will be able to focus and continue - it's the first step that's got me stuck!

I am even having thoughts of selling off all of my art supplies and paintings and never thinking about doing any art ever again! My artist's ego is so ridiculously fragile it is making me angry - maybe that's a good thing! I will kick my artist's bum and kick-start my artist's art-making - in this last sentence I have replaced 'could' with 'will' - I have decided that was a very good thing and am now off to my little room to get the ironing out of there and run my plates! And if they don't turn out - who cares - there's always collage!

Here's hoping (willing) the page to turn on some actual productivity just for the fun of it!