Our idea for the print was to capture a really positive spirit of America after the election. People seemed united, happy, and patriotic. We chose to make a topographical image of the country in an effort to represent all of America as a unified land, omitting state boundaries but focusing on cities, monuments, and general regional characteristics. In a sense, our 'America' reads as a simultaneous narrative--tucked into the complex patterning of the landscape are subtle references to our history and growth as an adaptable, pioneering country and people.

Pretty soon, we'll be putting a 'key' together showing all of the little things tucked away in there. For example, there are exactly 50 stars in the bunting across the top, with 13 original colonies in the middle banner. Also, you'll notice, Old Glory never touches the ground.

This is NOT a digitally reproduced print. Five woodblocks were hand-drawn, hand-carved, and hand-printed together to make the image of "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" above. We'll be posting more photos of the blocks soon--along with a key detailing the print's content. You can view additional photos of our work 'America' and the MANIFEST HOPE: DC exhibition on our FLICKR!


"AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" is a limited edition of 200 prints. Each print in the edition is signed, titled and numbered. Prints are packaged in clear, resealable sleeves with coroplast backing. Ready for gifting, propping up on a shelf, or safely transporting until framed!

* Copy #44 of this editioned print now hangs in the Old Executive Office Building at 1700 Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington DC! You can also find an image of "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" in ART FOR OBAMA: DESIGNING THE CAMPAIGN FOR CHANGE, now available at all major bookstores!



PROCESS PHOTOS:

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(ABOVE, L) Valerie draws directly onto the key block for "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" (ABOVE, R) Our woodcut images start as detailed, original drawings on blocks birch plywood. "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" in progress.

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(ABOVE, L) Close-up of Hawaiian Islands in "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" (ABOVE, R) The scale of the key block--5 hand-drawn, hand-cut, hand-printed blocks this size make the finished image of "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL."






(ABOVE, L) Detail of Nashville (center) & the Smokey Mountains circled in misty rings. (ABOVE, R) Close-up of American Eagle holding the title banner.





(ABOVE) "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" black/key block almost completely carved out. We had this block finished & printed just in time for the MANIFEST HOPE: DC exhibition, where we displayed the first Black & White proof!



THE MANIFEST HOPE:DC EXHIBITION:



(ABOVE) Streetview of the MANIFEST HOPE: DC exhibition January 17-19, 2009. The event was located in bustling Georgetown at 3333 M. Street NW.





(ABOVE, L) Crowds were enormous to view the free exhibition--here you can see the line wrapping around the block! (ABOVE, R) "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" @ the show! View all of our photos from the exhibition HERE.




(ABOVE) "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" hanging in the MANIFEST HOPE: DC show January 17-19, 2009. We have a limited number of B&W copies available by request.



COLOR BLOCKS & PRINTING:



(ABOVE) Here the printed paper is pulled up from the inked black block after the final run through the press for "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL." This is the finished product!



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(ABOVE, L) All colors printed on 'AMERICA' except black (Red, Yellow, Light Blue, and Dark Blue). (ABOVE, R) Print being pulled off the Dark Blue block after a run through the press.



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(ABOVE, L) Red block for "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" (ABOVE, R) Yellow block for "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL"
There are two additional color blocks for 'AMERICA' (Light Blue, Dark Blue) not pictured here.



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