I recently finished a decorative project for a certain blond mega pop star who everyone pretty much knows; as glamorous as all that may be, I really did not want the project. I do however hold her designer in high esteem and count him a a friend ; PLUS money is nice. Money is really nice for buying oneself gifts. I have been itching for a press and I now have one.
Some fellows, when they have a mid life crisis buy a flashy car ; I buy a printing press, but is absolutely testosterone driven.
The work station is pretty fantastic gift as well, a birthday gift from the spouse man, welded steel, capable of supporting 3000 lbs, overkill, as the press is under 200 pounds, but again, testosterone driven on very impressive wheels.
Source Uline : source
This press actually intimidated me a bit, and my chum the talented artist Deborah Lambert graciously walked me through the process; incredibly simple and it works like a dream, the following is an afternoon’s leisurely output.
The relief print I worked on this afternoon was inspired by Flaubert’s The Temptation of St. Anthony, in one scene the poor beleaguered anchorite is tormented by Lust and Death, representing the eternal circle of life.
I really love that idea, without Lust , Death cannot be fed, they need one another.
So hence , Lust und Tod.
Lust und Tod
2014
relief print on mulberry paper
9 by 12 inches
I have not been posting because I have been working on a large painting, once again dealing with life, death and salvation, apparently I never tire of the theme. As much as I love printmaking, painting gives me the greatest joy. I have existential angst at times as my prints are well received and my paintings, well, not so much. I may in fact not be terribly good, my landlady told me frankly I shouldn’t bother with paintings, focus on printmaking. I know she means well, though it did indeed sting; but the fact is I love painting. So good or bad, well received or not, I continue my practice. the following is a detail.
be well, Lg
Boondocks Babylon 
Press envy, press envy!
Mm, it looks good man. Got to say i’m surprised at what your landlady said, and what you wrote about your painting and prints. Don’t get me wrong, I think your prints are knockout and the ones you sent me for christmas are proudly displayed on my special wall for favourite things, but your painting is where it’s at, unique, powerful, moving and sexy – very special.
Oh but I’m eyeing up your press going green too…..
Dear Phil,
Thank you for the affirmation, I have to say the comment did set me back a bit; in her defense she feels I misunderstood her intention, so perhaps. It means a lot to me, your opinion, in regards to my painting, I’m on my way back to the easel right now…as soon as my tea finishes steeping.
Be well,
Lg
Painting and printing are for you two sides of the same coin. Follow your heart. It won’t lead you to the wrong place if you don’t allow others to derail you.
Press envy press envy! That is one big bad boy!!!
xxx
My dear friend, somehow I missed this much needed message, thank you. And thank you for seeing the ting and yang of my studio practice; it would be a Solomonic decision to choose one over the other.
If ever in town, my press is yours!
xoLg
PS. She’s wrong about the painting. WRONG! Moreover, the painting feeds the printing, and perhaps the reverse will start to be true, too. They are THE SAME THING! Sheeesh! I wouldn’t bullshit you, Leonard. You’ve really forged something uniquely your own in your painting, and it’s all the better for that. Please don’t be swayed by what people sometimes say. The only opinion that matters is YOURS. The rest follows!
I know you would not bullshit me and your opinion means so very much to me. David my spouse, and he is a psychoanalyst,reminds me that analytically it is our duty as individuals to heed the First Voice, our own. You reiterated that point.
That said there is a reason artists have kept unfinished works out of the public eye.
As always , respect and affection,
Lg
I agree. Follow your heart and your gut. It’s where much of your art springs from. And I also have press envy!
Thank you, Lg
I was told in school to work in black and white because apparently my color sense sucks. But how is it going to develop unless I keep at it?
Also, your painting has a uniqueness that doesn’t fit the tidy boxes that make it so fine art critics know what to do with it, or how it fits in. You are looking at different sources and you just need to argue the validity of those (to yourself, your landlady and critics.) Printmaking tends to include some awkward and bold marks- that may be what shes missing in your painting. Rather than telling you to give up, she might have encouraged you to get the raw mark making into the painting. It already has your soul and intellect and an interesting style. I love it, don’t stop.
It took me a moment to recognize your name, thank you, your opinion means a lot to me as I admire your work as well.
I think you are correct about the awkward marks having an immediate appeal, particular to my Marxist feminist landlady! Essentially she doesn’t approve of oil painting in general, too elitist.
I appreciate your making the suggestion of incorporating more raw mark making; I love the lapidary surfaces of the Florentines and seek to play upon that but I do feel at times some brutal strokes might be in order.
Again, thank you for taking the time to look at my work, I hope we can stay in contact-you are a neighbor after all!
be well, Lg
I meant to reply to your school telling you that you lacked color sense, what the hell does that even mean? It seems a random concept to me as color (or lack of) is so personal . Yes there are standard values of taste but shouldn’t that be explored? i hope you work at your own color sense, wherever that leads. In “Stretch”(I think that was the work) I particularly liked the spot of humanistic color in the otherwise strict black and white composition, it added such vitality.
be well and creative,
Lg