Etchpop has wood!
How much wood could an Etchpop pop, if an Etchpopcould pop wood?
It's a difficult question, but we think we have found the answer!
Behold, SHINA plywood! The answer to all of Etchpop's wood questions, wonders and worries!
We were first
introduced to Shina plywood through Erin Nolan, artist, experienced
printmaker and friend of Etchpop. After many tests in the Etchpop Labs, and at our kickoff printing party, we
are extremely happy with the results of this incredible and rather rare
plywood.
Here are just a few reasons we have chosen Shina plywood to be the
first material Etchpop will use to make all of your wonderful
woodblocks:
- Friendly to people and the planet.
- Provides a perfect surface for even printing.
- Maintains sharp edges and details after multiple printings.
- Resistant to swelling and warping.
- Looks, smells, and feels like a summer's dream.
Here are more fun facts about Shina Plywood straight from our source:
Shina Plywood
Tilia japonica, a member of the Linden family
This fine-grained
plywood from Hokkaido, the northern-most island of Japan, is made
specifically for block-printing and is a favorite among Japanese
printmakers. Shina is harvested selectively and sustainably. The plywood
is very high quality, free of voids, knots or blemishes. It is sanded
smooth and ready for immediate printing.
Basswood and
Shina are both members of the Linden family. However, unlike basswood,
Shina is dense enough to hold sharp edges and details through multiple
printings.
The glue holding
the plies together is so thin that it is barely perceptible. Japan has
very strict environmental laws about the amount of formaldehyde added to
the glue used to make plywood. Most plywood made in the U.S. contains
5mg of formaldehyde per liter of glue, while in Japan the amount of
formaldehyde averages only 0.3mg/liter, with 0.4mg/liter the maximum
amount allowed. So Shina plywood is much safer for you and for the
environment!
There is
significantly less swelling, shrinking or warping with this plywood
compared to solid planks and will keep its shape after multiple
printings and cleanings.
Stay tuned for more
updates on the progress of our website and an update introducing you to
the wonderful crew that is building it for us.
Thanks for everyone's continued support while we're building Etchpop !
-Marshall & Chester
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Edition Size: 24
Print Dimensions: 3.125" w x 5.375" h
Paper Dimensions: 5" w x 7" h
Ink: Graphic Chemical Water Soluble & interference inks
Woodblock: Shina
Paper: Kozoshi
Artist: Erin K. Nolan
Dated: 02.2012
NASA has confidently predicted that this year (2012) the Aurora Borealis, or 'Northern Lights', will be the brightest and most intense in 50 years.
Go to the Alaskan Geological Society's site to see the Aurora Borealis forecast for your area!
www.gi.alaska.edu/AuroraForecast
This print will be available soon at Plum Bottom Pottery, Egg Harbor, Wisconsin!