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.

Five hand-drawn, hand-carved woodblocks were drawn, carved, and printed together to make the image of "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" above. We'll be posting pictures of the blocks soon--along with a key detailing the print's content. You can view photos of our work on this print 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!




SELECTED PROCESS PHOTOS OF "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL"

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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) 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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