ABSTRACT PSYCHOSOCIAL ART

By DICK CRISPO

Dick Crispo Studio: Woodcuts & Tools

For Me, The Process Is More Important Than The Product

In this video, we get a look into my studio in Seaside, California, wherein I'm talking about my woodcutting process.

In my studio, I have an entire section dedicated to working on my woodcuts. I began woodcutting in 1966. I’ve had one of the oldest woodcutting tools in my collection since the 60s. Some of my tools, the Japanese ones, I picked up from Soko Hardware in 1966, in Japantown in San Francisco.

using typing paper over the woodcut
Rubbing graphite over the typing paper over the woodcut to test the print. When doing this, it isn't necessary to use ink.

Paul Gaugin, Antonio Frasconi, and Shikō Munakata were my most prominent influences. From Munakata, I sought out his process in woodcutting. I didn’t copy his work, but I emulated how he worked.

I did teach printmaking, and it could get very complicated. This style of lithography and printmaking process was something I taught because it was part of my job. But ultimately, I wanted to be more direct in my printmaking.

I studied Japanese printmaking. When I learned about Munakata’s process and approach to woodcutting, I wanted to work using the same process. Because for me, the process is more important than the product. cropped-dick-crispo-favicon_.png

Dick Crispo woodcutting

Related Articles