Ellen Altfest
Green Gourd
2007
Edition of 40
18 colour woodblock print on Japan MM7 Kozo paper
42.4 cm X 43.4 cm
Paper size: 16 11/16 x 17 1/16 in. (42.4 x 43.4 cm)

Price inclusive of VAT

Made in an edition of only 40, this work marks Altfest's first exploration into the medium of printmaking. Based on the painting of the same title, 'Green Gourd' recreates the highly detailed painted image in an equally detailed and masterful technique - that of the Japanese style woodblock print. Altfest’s subjects are observed from life rather than photographic images. The prolonged study and intense looking involved gives the subject an otherworldly presence, raising the humble, organic form of the gourd into a palpable icon. Printed by hand using the Japanese Ukiyo-e style, from 9 blocks, using 18 colours, in 17 printing steps, the print mimics the precision of the original painting at 1:1 scale in a fascinating and delicate manner.