Japanese woodblock: my vintage Canon F-1n (20mm f/2.8)
Start with something completely familiar – like an analog single lens reflex. Find a chunk of clear Douglas fir and sketch directly to the wood surface. Can’t draw? Doesn’t matter – that may even make it better. Cut out the drawing and ink the block. There’s something lovely and imprecise about the nature of wood: you can’t cut against the grain – it just splinters, but it still looks good. Straight lines get wobbly and clean curves are non-existent. The overall result is low-tech and organic, which is pretty much the exact opposite of photography. Don’t worry, you’ll like it.
I used my faithful Canon F-1 as a model for this woodblock first thing today. I inked it after lunch. Made a few corrections and called it done at 2:00PM. I’ll be creating a set of 10×10″ prints on Arches 100% cotton rag paper. Let me know if you’d like one – prints are $50/each, signed.
Field Notes: John Durant Photographer 