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Woodblock relief is an art form that has been around for centuries with the earliest woodblocks dating back to the 7th century in the Tang Dynasty of China. It remained the most common method of printing books, literature and imagery well into the 19th century, today it is regarded primarily as a Fine Art.
The process of relief printing truly captured me when I was in my early 20’s and gave me the time and a purpose to dig deeper into myself as I carved away layers of plywood to create art.
Relief prints are created by removing layers from the surface of a block to form an image. Once the surface has been carved and covered in ink, you press a sheet of paper onto the block by hand or through a press, you reveal the image by pulling the paper away.
There are multiple types of relief printing, some more complicated than others, some more well known than others. While it is an art form existing under the radar in terms of the mainstream art world it is undoubtedly an art form that has been found in almost every culture around the world. Because of its simplicity in technique it will always be a practice that people can easily communicate by creating an image and reproducing it.
In order of appearance
Pre-colonized- Grey Wolf Population In Pre Colonized Continental United States Estimated Between 250,000-500,00
18” X 24” Reductive Relief Print Edition of 8 Spring 2016
First of the Grey Wolf Print Series of the Endangered Species Series
1880 - Superintendent Norris States In His Annual Report, " The Value Of The Wolves Hides And Their Easy Slaughter Using Strychnine Poisoned Carcasses Have Nearly Led To Their Extermination." Ranchers and Government Agencies Begin Eradication Campaign.
18” X 24” Reductive Relief Print Edition of 8 Spring 2016
Second of the Grey Wolf Print Series of the Endangered Species Series
1972 - Federal Recognition Of Imbalanced Ecosystems Due To Lack Of Wolves. Wolf Bounty Programs End. Estimated Population 300.
18” X 24” Reductive Relief Print Edition of 8 Spring 2016
Third of the Grey Wolf Print Series of the Endangered Species Series
Present Day - Congress Grants Grey Wolves Protection Under The Endangered Species Act. Estimated Population Today 5,375.
18” X 24” Reductive Relief Print Edition of 8 Spring 2016
Fourth of the Grey Wolf Print Series of the Endangered Species Series
Summer Daze
Single color wood block relief - edition of 5 printed on Japanese Kozo paper
2016
Moonbathers
Multiple block relief - edition of 8 - printed on Japanese Kozo paper
2016
Dicciasette Contradas
Single color block print - edition of 20 - printed on Rives BFK
2016
Asclepia: Summer // Winter
Monotype relief diptych - printed on Japanese Kozo paper
2016
Nymph Haven
Reductive relief print - edition of 5 - printed on Rives BFK
2016
All Illustrations and paintings in pen, ink gouache and watercolor.
Listed in order of appearance.
‘Akiapola’au + Koa - 8” X 10” Watercolor on hot press watercolor paper. 2021
Amakihi + Mamane - 8” X 10” Watercolor on hot press watercolor paper. 2021
I’iwi + Mamane - 8” X 10” Watercolor on hot press watercolor paper. 2021
Mamo + Pele Lobeliad - 8” X 10” Watercolor on hot press watercolor paper. 2021
I’iwi + Ohia Lehua - 8” X 10” Watercolor on hot press watercolor paper. 2021
Olena - 11” x 14” Watercolor on hot press watercolor paper. 2021
-private commission-
I’iwi Sunset - “10 x10” Watercolor on hot press watercolor paper. 2021
Lineage - 9” x 12” Watercolor on hot press watercolor paper. 2021
-private commission-
Sticky Sweet - Pen and watercolor on cold press watercolor paper. 2019
I began The Species Project to discuss the disappearances of plant and animal species across the world and to stimulate environmental change for their survival. The narrative of the project not only focuses on species that are endangered but also animals who are endemic to their region and will never be found anywhere else in the world.
Each print is part of a story that tells how we are connected to each of these species and how we need each other to thrive. These stories are told through the form of large scale woodblock prints, water colors and mixed media collage.
New print edition release Fall 2024
- In order of appearance -
The North American Grey Wolf
Pre-colonized
Grey Wolf Population In Pre Colonized Continental United States Estimated Between 250,000-500,00
Reductive Relief Print Edition of 8 Spring 2016
First of the Grey Wolf Print Series of the Endangered Species Series
1880
1880 Superintendent Norris States In His Annual Report, " The Value Of The Wolves Hides And Their Easy Slaughter Using Strychnine Poisoned Carcasses Have Nearly Led To Their Extermination." Ranchers and Government Agencies Begin Eradication Campaign.
Reductive Relief Print Edition of 8 Spring 2016
Second of the Grey Wolf Print Series of the Endangered Species Series
1972
Federal Recognition Of Imbalanced Ecosystems Due To Lack Of Wolves. Wolf Bounty Programs End. Estimated Population 300.
Reductive Relief Print Edition of 8 Spring 2016
Third of the Grey Wolf Print Series of the Endangered Species Series
Present Day
Congress Grants Grey Wolves Protection Under The Endangered Species Act. Estimated Population Today 5,375.
Reductive Relief Print Edition of 8 Spring 2016
Fourth of the Grey Wolf Print Series of the Endangered Species Series
Large scale works include sign painting and murals for both business and residential clients.
Client projects In order of appearance:
Fairwind, Kailua Kona, HI - 2024
Sea quest, Kailua Kona, HI - 2023
Nicholson, Kailua Kona, HI - 2022
Lululemon, Kailua Kona, HI -2019
Ola Brew, Kailua Kona, HI - 2019
Wholesome Bakery, San Francisco, CA - 2018
Graphic design is a part of essentially everything that we do and see in society. I love how interwoven it is with our lives and really enjoy being able to design for so many different applications.
Here you’ll find a variety of graphic design projects i’ve done including logos, business cards, wedding invitations and more.
With my background in printmaking, specifically focused in relief and letterpress I love when a design job takes the extra step and goes to print. Leaving the tech out of greetings and keeping them human with a good impression makes it that much more personal.
These are examples of my designs in their digital forms well as in their final printed form, some of which I had the honor of printing myself.
If your design stays digital or gets printed into the real world I would be happy to design for you.
To design with me or get a design quote email: lex@lexpetroff.com
