Artist Statement
My work begins with direct observation. While at the lakeshore, I make notes on weather, sunset time, and the size of gatherings. I take many photos, usually in a burst of ten or more. Sometimes, I sketch and make color notes. I study the photos, looking for interesting shapes and patterns. I make many drawings until I arrive at a sequence of images that can be layered. Woodblocks are carved and printed in different opacities of watercolor and sumi ink.
Birds are part of my migration series that includes whales and monarch butterflies. I am interested in not only sharing the beauty I’ve seen, but an awareness that climate change is impacting these animals. Their survival is threatened by human caused changes to the environment.
The techniques that I learned in art school used oil-based paints and ink. I love traditional methods but wanted to find greener ways of making images. After many years of searching, I arrived at Mokuhanga. It uses watercolor and water-based ink. Cleanup is easy, as there are no solvents. Shina is a joy to carve, and I love being able to print by hand at my kitchen table.