Here’s one of my favourite wood engravers.
Thomas Bewick (1753–1828) was an accomplished British artist, engraver, and naturalist who made important contributions to the fields of illustration and wood engraving in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. From his birth in Cherryburn, Northumberland, Bewick drew inspiration from his surroundings and had a natural gift for drawing. These qualities would go on to shape his art.
Bewick is largely recognized for his groundbreaking work in transforming wood engraving from an unrefined art form into a sophisticated and intricately detailed one. Before he came up with his unique techniques, woodworkers could only dream of creating such elaborate and delicate creations. Combining detailed engravings with instructive text, his most famous works, such as “A General History of Quadrupeds” (1790) and “A History of British Birds” (1797–1804), were both aesthetically beautiful and scientifically significant. Both the natural history and illustration communities owe a great debt of gratitude to these publications for their meteoric rise to fame.
Small, whimsical scenes depicting folklore, rural Northumberland landscapes, and everyday life were common in Bewick’s engravings. These scenes were also known as vignettes and tail-pieces. These endearing touches demonstrated his astute observational abilities and wit while giving his work a distinct personality.
In keeping with the rising Romantic sensibility of his day, Bewick was an ardent supporter of environmental protection in addition to his artistic accomplishments. Both his impact on later generations of artists and scientists and the beauty of his engravings ensure his enduring reputation. Thomas Bewick’s paintings continue to inspire as examples of how art may portray the wonders of nature.
John
Love this great old book. Thanks for sharing!
I loved the video of the super large printing… one of these days I swear I need to do that. Looks like so much fun… and I LOVE the large format!
At first, my (Griffin) press seemed so large, as I had a small press that only takes a quarter sheet. But now it seems small… once things are framed etc…
I digress. Does that large print event happen annually? And also, have there been artists in residence… I think you mentioned one…
I will be traveling across Canada… taking time off! (Sort of)… and although I am not sure I’ll make it to Dawson City… it is appealing. So remote!
Let me know thanks
Warmest regards,
Nancy Walter
Hey Nancy, Thanks for dropping by and for your encouraging comments. The flip book is a lot of fun but a bit labour intensive, I have a wish list of other books that I’ll get around to.
The steamroller event was a blast with 17 other artists taking part although there’s only the two of us, Joyce Majiski and I who practice. It might happen again during arts fest here in Dawson on the August 17th weekend.
If possible, don’t hesitate on coming up here for a visit, let me know and I’ll do what I can to help. If you look up kiac.ca they have a really nice residency program. And I’m thinking of starting one of my own for printmakers.
Checked out your work, very nice!
All the best,
John