Geoffrey Howe
Tree ring impressions
The unique tree ring impressions I hand print are from sections cut
from already fallen trees. I transform the tree sections into printing blocks by first planning and sanding the surface flat before carefully exposing the ring formations with fire.
Ink is rolled onto the block and then the paper is aligned and placed onto the blocks surface. Using the back of a spoon pressure is carefully applied over the paper transferring the impression from the block to the paper.
The prints reveal the trees intriguing life and history in such a beautiful way. The lines and their patten show its age, the climatic conditions the tree experienced and the stresses and strains of its growth. Burrowed holes large and small often found close to the outer perimeter are signs of its insect inhabitants.
I not only believe these prints have an artistic and aethestic value but that they hold an important role in archiving and recording a trees existence. I undertake commissions to remember fallen loved trees, please visit the contact page for further details.
Being natural forms the blocks can distort, crack or split over time which can add to the shape and patten of the blocks shape and the tree rings design sometimes in dramatic fashion and are therefore kept and included in the prints until the blocks become unworkable.
Each print is an original and all are unique.