Our idea for this large scale, full color woodcut print was to capture a really positive spirit of America after the election. People seemed united, happy, patriotic. We chose to make a topographical image of the United States 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' woodblock reads as a simultaneous narrative--tucked into the complex patterning of the US landscape are subtle references to American history and our growth as an adaptable, pioneering country and people. Other small details of note? There are exactly 50 stars in the bunting across the top (with 13 original colonies represented by the stars in the central banner. Also, notice that Old Glory never touches the ground!

You can view additional photos of our work drawing, carving, and printing the woodblocks for "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" and the MANIFEST HOPE: DC exhibition on our FLICKR!

*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!


THE MAKING OF "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" WOODBLOCK PRINT


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(ABOVE, L) Valerie draws directly onto the key wood block for "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" The image is drawn in reverse so that it will print in the correct orientation. (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 in 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" at the show! View all of our photos from the exhibition HERE.





(ABOVE) "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" in Black & White hanging in the MANIFEST HOPE: DC show January 17-19, 2009. We have a limited number of Black & White copies available ~ these copies can be purchased online HERE or by clicking the image above. You can also E-MAIL US or call 412-621-0663 if you are interested!


MAKING COLOR WOODBLOCKS & PRINTING AMERICA!


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(ABOVE, L & R) Red and Yellow wood blocks carved and ready to print for "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" NOTE: There are two additional color wood blocks for 'AMERICA' (Light Blue & Dark Blue) not pictured here.

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(ABOVE, L) "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" is pulled up off the inked Dark Blue block after a run through the printing press. All blocks printed on 'AMERICA' except for the black/key (Red, Yellow, Light Blue, and Dark Blue).





(ABOVE) Here the printed paper is pulled up from the inked black block after the final run through the press. This is the finished color woodcut print!


UPDATE! "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" IN RE:FORM SCHOOL NYC & DIY: A REVOLUTION IN HANDICRAFTS!




(ABOVE) "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" as displayed in 2010 RE:FORM SCHOOL NYC. SEE MORE PHOTOS OF THIS EXHIBITION!

"AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" was also recently featured in the Society for Contemporary Craft's DIY: A REVOLUTION IN HANDICRAFTS Exhibition. The show also included source material from the making of 'America' and all 5 color blocks. SEE MORE PHOTOS OF THIS EXHIBITION!


VIEWING OPTIONS | SELECTION IN PINK BELOW IS CURRENTLY DISPLAYED ABOVE






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