Log Cabin Print Shop is a traditional printmaking studio in historic Old Washington, KY. It is an educational/social project whose goal is to bring regional and visiting artists together through printmaking. We were closed for many months due to the pandemic, but are currently working out the details for our program. We are currently open to the public saturday and sundays from noon-5pm.
Thanks for your understanding.
In the meantime, here are recent posts from the cabin.
This is a big (for me) woodcut 16×20″. My goal today is to finish carving it while i’m working at the Log Cabin Print Shop from noon-5pm.
You are welcome to stop by: to see how the woodcut is going -or- to make your own!
UPDATE: im finished carving. This little goat at the top is my happiness! Time to ink and test proof
The test proof. I am happy!
The Finished Woodcut! 3 Goats!
Remember 2 weeks ago, when I made a block print of the John P. Parker house in Ripley, Ohio?
Well, i thought it was such a great scene (and important historic landmark) that I made an acrylic painting of the scene!
If you are a fan of John Parker (like me) you also might like this painting I made a few years ago
I’ve finished carving the John P Parker house linocut. I started it last week. Its a small linocut 4 1/2×6″, so it was a challenge getting the small details.
Time to proof. Will update with the result!
Its warm, but windy today at the log cabin print shop.
Today, im going to make a linocut of John P Parker’s house. A few days ago, i made this sketch while in Ripley, ohio.
I made a few adjustments to the design, and now, im ready to start carving!
Saturday’s carving progress
Stay tuned for updates!
Last week was busy at the cabin. The cabin was filled with artists, so i didnt get a chance to do any personal printing. The holidays are over, and its a rainy saturday. I expect it wont be as busy, so my goal is to carve this linocut.
almost finished carving!
Inking the linoleum block
A long time ago, a teacher named Harriett Beecher came to Old Washington to visit. She later became famous for her book, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which depicted the cuelty of slavery. Her book was a big influence in the USA’s shift in attitude away from slavery. Part of the inspiration for ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ came from her experiences here in Kentucky, and across the river in Ripley, Ohio.
It’s inspiring how Harriett used her talent to help social progress in the USA. I wanted to honor her with a linocut.
I wanted to portray her with a halo, a quill in hand, her book in the other
I thought they’d make good notecards. They are a fun way to share art with your friends, and Harriett would probably appreciate seeing us write letters using ink and paper
I’m working on a new linocut greeting card for the holiday season.
Peace on Earth is always one of my favorite themes
The finished print!!
A batch of hand printed greeting cards, hanging to dry. Wil be ready later this week. Look out for them, and hope you are all having a happy holidays!
My sketch for a new linocut-a happy bunny with carrot
after transfering the design onto a block of linoleum, it’s time to carve!
the finished design, carved and ready for ink
inking the block
the finished linocut! Printed on acid free, recycled craft brown paper, with envelope
Carving is finished, so now its time tonprint the latest linocut.
Posted on by Ken Swinson — Leave a comment
I’ve been busy in the clay studio. It’s been a learning curve, but I have figured out the technique to transfer designs onto pots.
Now that I know what I’m doing I started a new design for rice paper transfers. The theme is Trees and houses.
Today’s burn didn’t work out like I had hoped, but I have another screen ready, and will try again tomorrow
now it’s time for a new color: Electric Blue!!
I love surface decoration. One of my favorite forms is the rectangle or oval. It’s almost like a canvas for a traditional painting. Today I handbuilt a small oval plate.
And I love my critters! Spent some time working on new ones:
Stay tuned to see the progress!
Ken is a self-taught artist from rural Kentucky, whose work includes painting, printmaking, and pottery. He considers himself to be a 'lifetime learner' and uses art to explore and learn more about the world around him. Much of his work reflect his optimistic views on rural folk culture, river life and simple pleasures.
