I like the graphic contrast of simple black and white prints.  In "VooDoo" I was inspired by the German Expressionist printmaker Kathe Kollwitz.  I aspire to her level of skill.  She had a tragic life, and used her prints to express deeply felt emotions.   Like Kollwitz, I choose printmaking as my medium of choice, because of the ability to print multiple images.  She had great empathy for the poor, and desired a medium that many could appreciate.  I teach printmaking, because my students can achieve success with a variety of techniques, and with relatively few tools.  Since they are not allowed to use carving tools, I have explored other possibilities for them.  In doing so, I have enjoyed experimenting  with collographs, glue-line prints, and styrofoam printing plates.

In "Cole" I was inspired by a book on Chinese Ink Painting.  The artists attempt to capture the essence of their subject in very few strokes of the brush.  This is a concept I am exploring further with my painting and printmaking.  I am a minimalist due to my graphic design background.  I can still hear my professors saying "Less is more!" I love the physical process of printmaking.  I still feel anticipation when I first roll ink onto a newly cut block.  I am anxious to see if I have achieved the effect I intended.  I enjoy listening for the ink to reach the perfect degree of tackiness.  I still feel excited when I peel back  the corner of the paper to reveal the magic!