How it’s made: Tree Ring Prints
How it started
This series was inspired by a lifestyle close to nature. The idea came from the artist living in the forest and clearing fallen trees, revealing fascinating patterns and rich histories. The first print was from an oak tree intertwined with a spiraled poison oak vine. As the artist continued, the prints grew, and now you can find curated series at The Highlands Resort and boon hotel+spa. Each print was made in the Redwood Forest and tells its unique story. Tree rings indicate the tree’s age, and each ring’s thickness tells us the year’s climate.
Watch the short video to see how tree ring prints are made!
Materials List:
- Block Printing Ink: Speedball
- Paper Quality: 100 lb White Print Press Paper
- Wood Types: Bay Tree Burl, Pine
The Process:
- Preparation: The process begins by selecting and preparing the wood. Start with a clean cut, then sand it smooth.
- Enhancing Texture: Carefully torch the softer material between the rings to highlight the tree’s texture and brush clean.
- Block Printing: Roll highly pigmented ink over the tree rings, then press the wood onto the paper. Applying significant pressure is essential to capture as many details as possible.
- Final Touch: The contrast of black ink on white paper beautifully accentuates the burl’s natural marbling. The ink creates a nice matte black texture.
Custom Wall Art
Explore the shop to find the perfect size wall art for your space. We offer customizable options, including gold accents and various ink colors.