Medium: Woodcut
Dimensions: 18 x 54 inches (image/sheet)
Signature: Signed
Artist details: American, 1952
Date finished: 2007
Edition: of 16

Recommended by Rebecca (Gallery Manager):

Karen Kunc's large evocative woodcuts are inspired by human relationships to nature and landscape. She brings elements from many cultures into her work, including Moorish, Spanish, and Japanese influences. Kunc is a master of woodcut and is distinguished from other artists by her innovations in the medium.  We look forward to her solo exhibition of artist books at the Bainbridge Island Art Museum next month.

Series: Transmigration (Transferred Soul)
Medium: Wood engraving with chine-collé
Dimensions: 12 3/4 x 6 1/2 inches (image)
Signature: Signed
Artist details: Japanese, 1944
Date finished: 1988
Edition: of 40

Recommended by Catherine (Collections Specialist):

Keisei Kobayashi's intricate wood engravings often explore themes around ecology and nature mysticism. His piece Roots B from the 'Transmigration' series is a beautiful depiction of the reciprocity between humans and nature within the process of death. At a quick glance, the image appears to be of a dead tree, its scraggly and bare branches inviting the company of crows. A closer look reveals a glowing figure, sitting within the roots of the tree and bringing new life through the trunk. A clear symbol of rebirth in light of death, it also conveys a feeling of peaceful renewal in the midst of grief.

Series: Animals and Plants in Colors
Medium: Colored wood engraving
Dimensions: 16 x 12 inches (image), 23 1/4 x 19 inches (sheet)
Signature: Signed
Artist details: Japanese, 1944
Date finished: 2016
Edition: of 70

Recommended by Nikki (Fine Print Photographer & Content Publisher):
Kobayashi’s easily recognizable flora and fauna and color palette’s repeated pastel rainbow rolls lull his audience into a peaceful acceptance of this scene. Kobayashi has hypnotically pulled the viewer into his fantasy world where baby chicks and sea turtles emerge in the same space; and land and seascapes gently exist in a circular flow in the same plane. All of the birds, fish, frogs, etc are all observing the cock and hen. Cycles of life are in perfect balance in this imaginary space, where even one wrong step from the cock at the edge of the cliff can throw it into disharmony.