Competition for a Charm - Kiyoshi Saito
by Zia ~ February 13th, 2006. Filed under: Art.This is for Barbara.
Scratchings and Jotlings on Books, Houses, Pets, Art, the Exigencies of Daily Existence, and Other Ephemera
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This is for Barbara.
February 15th, 2006 at 6:47 am
Saito is an artist I keep returning to. He had a fierce work ethic and must have been the most prolific of the Sosaku Hanga artists. This means that most people could afford to buy one of his prints. Sometimes he would reduce a major work into a smaller simplified piece and print off hundreds of copies. He would also combine photo-mechanical printing with woodblock colours. He was quick to see what was popular and produce more of the same. Personally, I like the more experimental compositions with beautiful printing textures and dramatic shapes.
February 15th, 2006 at 10:06 am
I like those too. Unfortunately, the prints I really like are also the prints I can’t afford! Oh well, c’est la vie. I feel fortunate to have this one, and for me, it’s not only a lovely thing to look at, but has a lot of memories as well. It’s been around ever since I can remember: my parents had it hanging over their bed when I was a small child; I took it to college for my dorm room; it’s been in every house and place I’ve ever lived.
I knew, of course, how prolific he was, but not that he combined photo-mechanical printing with woodblock colors. As I collect more prints, I become more interested in the process, which is why I like reading the baren forum messages.
February 15th, 2006 at 10:37 pm
I actually like all Saito prints. This one is charming and reminds me a little of Lynita Shimizu:
February 16th, 2006 at 10:45 am
Yes, there’s one called Gadabout Guineas (http://www.shimizuwoodcuts.com/guineahens.html) that has a very similar feel.
February 19th, 2006 at 4:05 am
Didn’t Deadeye Dick Cheney go hunting quail recently?
February 20th, 2006 at 9:35 am
Yep … hunting quail and lawyers. Thank heavens no Democrats went along; they’d definitely be dead. As it is, the Republican lawyer he shot is okay. Apparently, there was some alcohol involved, but that was hushed up. As, apparently, was the whole thing. I hate this administration: they stonewall the press; they are secretive and double-dealing; and they give Americans an even worse name than we already have internationally.