Kreg Yingst

Printmaking

I work in the traditional ancient printmaking medium known as block printing. This 2000-year-old method of creating a picture begins with transferring the mirror image of my design to a block of wood (or other material), carving away the negative space (with various shaped gouges), inking the surface, placing a sheet of paper on top and burnishing the back of it. On many of my prints I also use an antique proof press. Colors are achieved by using multiple blocks which require additional layered pressings, or they are individually hand-painted with watercolor.

I’m often inspired by narrative: story and poetry. In addition, I enjoy researching people, places, history, and cultures—traveling physically or through reading, and allowing these mental images to form the basis of my ideas.