In making "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL", we hoped to capture a positive, upbeat spirit of America.

We made a topographical United States with no visible state boundaries, putting focus instead

on select cities, noteable landmarks & monuments, and regional geographic characteristics.


"AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" reads as a simultaneous narrative.

Tucked into the landscape are references to American history (The railroad! Covered wagons! Hoover Dam!)

that speak to our growth as adaptable, pioneering people.


Other small details of note?

There are 50 stars in the top bunting, with 13 stars for the original colonies in the central banner.

Also, notice that Old Glory never touches the ground.


"AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" is the 1st large-scale multiblock color woodcut we made together,

printed to paper from 5 hand-drawn, hand-carved wood blocks. (More below)




We first exhibitied 'AMERICA' in MANIFEST HOPE: DC, an art exhibition celebrating the 44th inauguration.

Copy #44 hangs in the White House Offices (Old Executive Office Building, 1700 Pennsylvania Ave., D.C.))







DRAWING & CARVING "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL"


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From drawing to print! We draw in reverse so our images will print in the correct orientation.

All of our woodcuts start as original drawings on birch plywood blocks.




MAKING COLOR BLOCKS & PRINTING AMERICA


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4 color blocks were drawn & carved to make the "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" landscape. (2 ABOVE)

Each block prints one color. The block color layers to build the final print.

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The paper is pulled up from the inked black/key block after a final run through the press.




TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL"!





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