Brooke Molla

I work on Paintings and Prints at the same time. Usually the paintings are my preliminary sketches for a print. The paintings resemble woodcuts because they incorporate lots of carving and engraving. The prints are woodcuts with hand sewing. Woodcut is very low tech and can be done without a press. Each print is spoon rubbed with a wooden spoon that I have used for many years. I find that using a press is limiting in size and spontaneity. Hand sewing is important as an aesthetic tool to incorporate different types of paper. Before I start a painting or print I search for Natural objects within my limited environment. I look for insects in spiderwebs or under the porch light. While I work in the garden I come across weeds, seeds and leaves. My daughters will also find objects for me that they find within their own environments. That is how a painting or print is started.