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Inspired by regional landscapes, the ocean, mountains and Lake Superior, Jim Meyer of Hopkins, Minnesota uses rich and colorful images to incorporate into his woodblock prints. The woodblock print, as a medium, uses materials and processes that are particularly well suited to interpreting the landscape. Jim´s aim is to make prints that people will enjoy, have a growing affection for, and want to make part of their lives.
Woodblock prints have been Jim´s preferred medium for about ten years. Jim considers his experience in advertising, design, and publishing as excellent preparation for his current artwork.
Most of Jim´s prints are multi-block woodcuts or reduction prints. Multi-block woodcuts are printed from a separate block for each color in the design. The blocks are all cut and printed in registration so that each block and color line up with the others as closely as possible. Reduction prints are made by printing a series of colors on each print from just one block. After each color is printed, its surface area on the block is cut away before the next color is applied. The printing usually begins with the lightest color and progresses to the darkest. Jim uses a Vandercook printing press and oil based ink.
Jim graduated from Wheaton College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. He has participated in multiple illustration and drawing classes, won merit awards in several juried and invitational exhibits, and is represented in galleries in Minnesota and Washington. In his spare time, Jim enjoys outdoor activities including canoeing, camping, skiing, and sailing. He also plays piano and guitar and volunteers for the Big Brother organization.
ARTIST´S STATEMENT:
My work builds on the tradition of woodcut artists such as Gustave Baumann, a leader of the arts and crafts school in the 1920s and 30s, Canadian woodcut artist W.J. Phillips, and Japanese artists Shiko Munakata and Un-ichi Hiratsuka. Like Baumann´s work, my prints depict a nature that is both subtle and strong, wistful and intense. Working in a generally small scale with close color harmonies, the works resonate with rich memories and dream-like longings that beckon us to a timeless, nearly forgotten corner of creation.
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