Manifesto

Zealous Alchemy aims to actively contribute to keeping the tradition of xylography alive in the modern age. These are the main ways in which I hope to achieve this:

  • Increasing the publics’ awareness and interest in xylography.
  • Proliferation of the craft by inspiring others to become xylographers.
  • Investigating ideas to increase the commercial viability of the medium.

 

Zealous Alchemy's Woodcut Manifesto

 A sharp tool is half the battle.

The harder the wood, the faster it dulls a blade. This makes regular stropping and sharpening of tools essential. A blunt implement will not cut cleanly, making carving difficult and leading to more mistakes. Sharper tools are also safer to use, as they require less force and are less likely to slip.

 

 The knife is mightier than the gouge.

When carving a design, gouges are easier and faster to use than a knife. However, they cannot match the intricacy and precision possible with skilled knife work.

 

 Don’t rush.

Woodcut is a reductive process, making it extremely difficult to reverse any mistakes. It is advisable to take as much time as required, as any mistakes will take significantly more time to rectify.

 

 When in doubt, take a proof.

There are multiple methods of checking the progress of a carved woodblock, such as creating a graphite rubbing, or taking a photograph, increasing the contrast and mirroring it. However, the best method is to create a test print, known as a proof. This will give the most accurate representation of how the woodblock will print.

 

 Make sure your wood is flat.

Preparing a woodblock prior to carving can be laborious and time-consuming, however an insufficiently prepared block will likely print poorly, requiring it to be remade. 

 

 Work with the wood, not against it.

Wood is an organic material, and every single woodblock has its own personality. Wood has a grain direction, and it is easier to work in the same direction as the grain where possible. Working against the grain is more difficult, and can cause issues such as tear out.

 

 Know the limits of the wood.

Different species of wood have distinct qualities, and can hold various levels of detail. Attempting to carve minute details into a softwood such as Pine will be impossible, yet the same design could easily be carved into Cherry or Boxwood.

 

 Embrace imperfection.

The limitations and visual imperfections inherent to a traditional medium become its core signifiers. A ‘perfect’ woodcut print would lack any of the aesthetic qualities which define the medium.