[.ca] The Woodcut Artist's Handbook: Techniques and Tools for ... (ISBN 1554070457)

Good resource for those interested:
I will precie these remarks by noting that I had the privlidge of having Mr. Walker as a teacher during my undergrad study. That said this book is an excelent book for those interested in begining or improving their wood cutting abilities. The use of illistrations to demonstrate the types of marks attainable by different tools is hightly useful as is the description of the various mediums such as endgrain, long grain as well as lino and plasic availiable as a substitute to wood cutters. Complete with a list of various suppliers for tools and paper it is a complete package for those begining their study of this medium.

A practical handbook and valuable reference work:
A thoroughly engaging and accessible work, beautifully illustrated with many outstanding examples of woodcuts and wood engravings. Most readers will be itching to try their hand at this craft well before they've finished the book, and George Walker provides plenty of information to help you do just that. The writing is clear and readable, with a good balance of background information, practical tips and instructions, and resources for further reading. Although Walker makes no bones about the difficulty of mastering this craft, he encourages beginners to play and experiment, and gives many pointers to help you avoid the pitfalls. Obviously, his years of teaching experience have given him some insight into what people find trickiest about making printing blocks. He not only provides encouragement, he even gives instructions for repairing any mistakes you might make! Other sections deal with how to select and care for tools (including how to keep them good and sharp); the pros and cons of different materials for blocks (various kinds of wood, linoleum, other synthetics) and different types of ink; choosing paper; ideas for arranging your workspace; how to make prints by hand or with a press (including instructions for making your own printing press!); and health and safety issues. He also suggests some interesting ways of using your finished prints, in addition to giving tips for mounting and storing them. The illustrations Walker has selected are both interesting and useful: he includes many details about the different artists represented, and the tools, techniques, inks, and papers they use to make their prints. With examples of so many different styles and techniques, you get some idea of the wide range of possibilities to be explored. The book is rounded out by a glossary, short bios of the artists whose work appears in the book, and a list of sources for info and materials, as well as a bibliography and an index, making it a useful and inspiring reference for all levels of printmakers and anyone else with an interest in this art. At the same time, it is a well-organized, easy-to-follow manual that can help anyone get started making their own relief prints. Even people who don't yet know that they're interested in woodcuts or wood engravings will be won over by this beautiful and comprehensive book. Highly recommended.