Charming studio updates, sneak peek, banter :)

Confessions

Shocking news: I’m not terribly consistent. No excuses, except there’s one big pro to inconsistency: the freedom to experiment. I’ve happily (and impractically) taken advantage of that over the past few years, broadening my focus from just woodcut printing to painting, muralling, drawing, illustration, design, installation, and a return to the occasional house painting (another great way to support your local artist ;) ). Through a kinder lens, we could also just call it learning. I’m going for a consistent sharing of experimental freedoms.

It’s also time to focus back in on the things that are successful—waking up excited to get to the studio. As much as I try, I really can’t stop carving wood. Maybe I’m releasing frustration with the cathartic stroke of the knife, or maybe it’s a sensual collaboration with a natural material. Either way, I just tune out the world (how are things out there anyway?) and sharpen my little knife and slice into a vast vision for as long as I can—maybe I’ll be able to stay busy for 3 or 4 years ;). Check out some sneak peeks below!

Putting the past few years into my toolbox and making a commitment to large, fulfilling projects is only half of the recipe. I need to ‘get out there more’ and ‘see the world’ and ‘be myself.’ Wish me luck, I’m doing my best :)

ARTWORK

Not gonna lie, there’s a backlog of paintings around here, including gems like “Creekside” (32”x32” spraypaint and black acrylic on board, 2024). This is nature through a bright technicolor lens and a graphic flair descended from cartoons and advertising. So I think in that sense it’s very traditional—art representing the zeitgeist of its creation :)

Please contact with purchase enquiries :)

ENORMOUS WOODCUT PROJECT IN THE WORKS

Last Newsletter I unveiled this enormous project I’ve restarted. At the moment I don’t have anything to sell you, so im just sharing in the completely innocent hope of building some interest :)

Below are some sneak peeks of areas I’m particularly proud of in the upcoming portions. Look closely to find all sorts of little ‘Where’s Waldo’ type content!

It is a giant web of narrative and story-telling. Alongside the general function of visual art: just being pretty and/or fun to look at :)

A charming bridge connecting little islands in the spray of a waterfall :)

A village of stone houses and thatched roofs lies protected (from nature and fellow humans) behind a stone wall. Evidence of agriculture and collaboration are a theme throughout this portion.

Mysterious grass huts pop up in this area of lightly forested grassland. Enormous footprints nearby offer a hint to their potential occupants.

An outpost of an arid settlement among cliffs and low hills. Survival in this area relies a lot on location location location, and the hospitality of neighbors.

So what’s the endgame here? To answer that, I’m referencing this ‘carved painting’ I finished over the summer (“PRAGUE”). There will be prints available from each of the blocks, and the blocks themselves will be treated as unique artworks: filled with color, then (cleverly) black ink rolled back atop the carved lines—leaving behind that crisp graphic look that is so appealing :)

Also, elephant in the room, this thing is huge. It’ll be neat, but it’s huge. I don’t really expect long lines for an 8 foot by 13 foot woodcut (although I do enjoy surprises). So on completion, there will be a digital version of the entire image (colored version) available at a smaller scale as well.

PRINTS AVAILABLE!

I’m happy to announce availability of recent paintings as high quality reproduction prints. Working with an experienced, reliable photographer and a quality, reliable printshop, we’ve worked out all of the kinks to make this a smooth process on both ends.

Expect great service and a quality product!

Thank you!

Hi :) It’s great to see you! Huge thanks to everybody who read and replied to my last overdue newsletter, interaction is really the lifeblood of the arts and that just doesn’t happen without you guys :)

Just being seen is tremendously valuable—please share with the art and newsletter lovers in your life! I am doubly grateful to those who share during this time of regression for online networks ;)

As always, I am open to commissions, feedback, and inquiries :)

Paul

paul roden studio