Villa Park artist Benjamin F. Calvert III exhibits woodblock printmaking
Benjamin F. Calvert III exhibits a selection of woodblock prints along with tools and information about the woodblock printmaking process in his solo show, "I SPI: Source, Process, Image," at the Harold Washington Library Center, 8th floor, 400 S. State St., Chicago, through Jan. 13.
A third-generation printmaker, Calvert's prints are influenced by nature and life experiences. "I have a strong feeling for nature, and the wood complements my images. Different types of wood provide varied and unique backgrounds befitting the subjects of my artwork," Calvert explained.
Calvert finds the centuries old process of woodblock relief printmaking to be meditative, a stark departure from today's fast-paced environment. Calvert first carves the images into the wood, and then hand-pulls the prints, using multiple oil-based inks, one color at a time.
The process takes great patience and attention to detail.
Calvert, who teaches classes on printmaking, is exacting not only about his wood carving, but also about the paper upon which the print is made. One of his prints was included in the recent Drake University Anderson Gallery juried "Paper is Part of the Picture" exhibit showcasing the importance of different papers to the finished work.
"Although most of my creations are printed on Japanese Kozuke paper, I used Rives paper for 'Josh's Rocks,' to render the softly colored result I was looking for," commented Calvert. "This work was inspired by a hike in Joshua Tree National Park. "Sometimes the subject is easily identifiable, sometimes, less so. Hearing how others interpret and relate to my work adds to my personal story. The more diverse the comments, the more effective I believe my work to be," he concluded.
A lifelong Chicago area resident, Calvert grew up in Naperville and resides in Villa Park, Illinois. He received his BA from Knox College and MBA from Drake University. He is active in the Elmhurst Artists' Guild, and volunteers as a docent at the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Elmhurst Art Museum. More information is available at www.benjamincalvert.com.