Today I came closer to finishing another block for my printmaking class. I actually intended for this block to be my first project for class, but it was a bit too gutsy for my first detailed woodcut. Now that I have two other projects under my belt, I’m revisiting the hallelujah block.
Woodchips from an almost finished block cover my desk.
The block’s text is the first stanza of one of my favorite hymns. It reads:
Man of Sorrows! what a name
For the Son of God, Who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
I find it amazing to think that the Creator, the Lord of the Universe would be called a “Man of Sorrows.” Oh, how incredible to think that the Lord understands sorrow in the same way that we do! I really wanted to have the words of the first stanza up on my wall.
Here’s a closeup of the carving. (click to zoom-in):
Carving all of those letters was very tedious.
I’ll have a proof of my print within the next day or so, and I’m excited about it. I’m a fan of old posters and advertisements, and those served as inspiration for this print. Some of the letters got destroyed during the carving, but I think the happy accidents coupled with the woodgrain will prove to be quite beautiful.
so wonderful.