The Elephant

This print was based on http://www.flickr.com/photos/stonebridgedapper/3958101629/. I decided to base a print off of this photo because I really liked its odd perspective -- it is not every day that one is close enough to an elephant to get a high-five. When carving this print I was experimenting mainly with different textures such as the texture on the trunk versus the texture of the wild-grassy background. This was perhaps one of the most experimental pieces that I did during May Term, but perhaps, due to how it allowed me to test various different carving techniques, it was also one of the most educational pieces I've done.

Cowlick

This print was based on http://www.flickr.com/photos/saulgm/350767979/. Like with the print of the cockatoo, I appreciated this picture because of the unusual perspective, animal-human interaction and interesting color contrast. While I wanted to represent the hand more closely to how it is seen in the photo, I really wanted to keep the cow minimally carved. As such, a major portion of this print was experimenting with different valued lines. What I learned from this print was that it is sometimes better to show an interpretation of a photo, rather than directly report what the picture shows.

An Unusual Friendship

This print was based on http://www.flickr.com/photos/bocavermelha/416334508/.  I chose to base my print on this picture because I really liked how unusual a perspective it is and how great the color contrast is. I also appreciate how in this picture the bird and human are on an equal level. In this print I wanted to experiment with having the main detail in the bird in white (carved out) and the main detail of the man in black (carve around). Doing this helped emphasize the color contrast and, I believe, made the print more successful.

Kingfisher and the Moon

My first print for my May Term was based on http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheishichiyo/6301795860.  I chose to use this picture because I liked the use of space and how simple, yet elegant, the picture was. When carving this picture I was particularly interested in the different textures and ways to display space, such as whether to have empty space or the texture seen in the background here. Throughout the entire May Term I kept on coming back to this piece and editing it a little. I think what I learned the most from this piece is that when one comes up with an idea, one should see it through to completion rather than question whether it was the right direction halfway through the process.