“Reflecting Narcissus.” All images © Tugboat Printshop, shared with permission
For Valerie Lueth of , the final piece is only one stage of the painstaking yet satisfying process of making woodblock prints. The works emerge from meticulous planning and carving of numerous blocks, which the Pittsburgh-based artist layers on top of one another to achieve a variety of colors, patterns, and striking contrasts.
One recent print “Reflecting Narcissus,” depicts five daffodils reflected in a pool of water. The composition references the Greek mythological character, , whose beauty and youth were admired by everyone who looked upon him, even though he didn’t love anyone. That is, until he saw his own reflection in a pool and fell deeply for his image, pining away until he died and was transformed into a flower named for him.
Lueth () is known for creating detailed prints that call on the beauty of nature and folklore, and she revels in the process behind each work, which you can explore more in-depth on her . She was recently featured in issue 25 of the printmaking magazine and has two prints currently available for pre-order, including “Ladder Tree,” shown below. Follow for additional updates.
“Reflecting Narcissus” woodblock in progress
Pulling “Reflecting Narcissus” print
Left: One color block for “Reflecting Narcissus.” Right: The first layer of the print
“Ladder Tree” in progress
Left: “Raindrops.” Right: The woodblock in progress for “Raindrops”
“Ladder Tree” block
Detail of “Ladder Tree” block
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