Falling so far behind, but wow, a constant source of inspiration and fun this month has been time spent with our friends, Andy Saftel and Susan Knowles. Brilliant, fun people! And certainly Andy's large scale print projecto completely knocked me out...31 colors, an edition of 13, requiring nearly one month's concentration and talent from a team of five suberb printmakers. The piece addresses the border between Mexico and the U.S., and is based on Andy's experience here last summer, reference photos taken then, and drawings and extensive historical research before and since. More drawings, paintings, and collages produced the watercolor that inspired the prints. Multiple wood blocks were carved in his studio in Pikeville then they drove them to Mexico to experience the border, and to print. Derli, Carolina, Julian, Isabella, and Andy did a spectacular job, including producing of a series of copper plate etchings. Too much, too much, and the party at Susan and Andy's place to celebrate the completion of the project was a night to remember. Fun, ceviche, bebibas, and dancing on the Plaza Grande surrounded by large puppet-like creatures, Banda de Zirahuen, and explosives.
