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Handmade Paper and Prints by Finger Lakes Artist Brad Leiby

Oct 11, 2024


Sturgeon Print on Handmade Paper by Finger Lakes Artist Brad Leiby
Sturgeon Print on Handmade Paper by Finger Lakes Artist Brad Leiby

I was able to spend some time making handmade recycled paper and some relief prints this summer. It takes a while to do and can be pretty messy so it was not easy to work on while I was moving around for the past few years. I'm settled in The Finger Lakes now and getting back to it was great, I love the processes!


Sturgeon Print on Handmade Paper by Finger Lakes Artist Brad Leiby
Sturgeon Print on Handmade Paper by Finger Lakes Artist Brad Leiby

I carved a couple of blocks inspired by Sturgeon, a prehistoric fish that can be found in some large lakes. I have thought these fish were really cool for a long time. I have also used them as an excuse for why I don't swim in the lake. Stories of lake monsters and fishermen being knocked out of their boats have been attributed to giant sturgeon. Creatures like this and many more mundane lake fish freak me out enough to stay in the boat.


Sturgeon Print on Handmade Paper by Finger Lakes Artist Brad Leiby
Sturgeon Print on Handmade Paper by Finger Lakes Artist Brad Leiby

I used a piece of wood for the larger carving block and a piece of soft linoleum for the smaller print. I was not overly concerned with making the sturgeon look realistic. I was going for a more symbolic look to the print. It was the first time I had worked with these materials in a long time but I enjoyed getting back into it. I was also pretty happy with the results of the finished blocks.


Woodblock Carving by Finger Lakes Artist Brad Leiby
Woodblock Carving by Finger Lakes Artist Brad Leiby
Woodblock Carving by Finger Lakes Artist Brad Leiby
Woodblock Carving by Finger Lakes Artist Brad Leiby

I remember making recycled paper in school. I started thinking about it again when I was 30 and doing more print-related projects. It's a fun craft. The process feels meditative, and each piece of paper you make is a unique work of art on its own. It reminds me of automatic art. It's loose and chaotic but you can influence many aspects of it. I hope I can make a batch of paper like this every summer.


Handmade Paper by Finger Lakes Artist Brad Leiby
Handmade Paper by Finger Lakes Artist Brad Leiby

Handmade Paper by Finger Lakes Artist Brad Leiby
Handmade Paper by Finger Lakes Artist Brad Leiby

Sturgeon Print on Handmade Paper by Finger Lakes Artist Brad Leiby
Sturgeon Print on Handmade Paper by Finger Lakes Artist Brad Leiby

Sturgeon Print on Handmade Paper by Finger Lakes Artist Brad Leiby
Sturgeon Print on Handmade Paper by Finger Lakes Artist Brad Leiby

The limited run of handmade paper prints will be available in my shop soon!



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