I’m so pleased to announce the release of Frank X Walker‘s Affrilachian Sonnets – a refreshing collection of poems that inspired 3 original wood engraved illustrations, published by Larkspur Press.
This engraving relates most directly with the poem “Gunning for Bear”. I had a great time researching the different characters and the town of Danville, KY, where author, Frank Walker grew up. I especially loved finding photos of the old African American business district, such as the Danville Cab building. The top image is of the endgrain wood block that I hand engraved.
Mountains and coal are part of living in Kentucky. Here we see Boyle County’s old courthouse in Danville. The first three images are of the block as it progressed – first with the simple line drawing and then the details emerge with more engraving. All the areas that are carved away do not print.
April plays too damn hard. I enjoyed the energy of this piece and teasing out these tulips from the wood blocks.
