Ok, well let's be really honest here...2011 was ok. Wasn't the greatest year, wasn't the worst year. It could have been better. Regardless, it was a great year for artistic experimentation, creativity and progress on my end.
One of the last interesting projects of the year was designing and screen printing my friend Bryan and Claire's Ketubah, a special marriage contract between a Jewish bride and groom, outlining the responsibilities and promises to each other in their marriage.
I was pretty nervous designing and printing something so sacred and special for two people, not to mention close friends, as there is always that additional pressure not to screw things up. Thankfully, I did not, and made delivery just in time...the day before the wedding. But hey, the wedding party knew I'd get it done in time.
The only thing I wasn't able to design myself was the text in both English and Hebrew, as I don't know how to read or write Hebrew. The English text was written by the bride and groom, then translated to Hebrew by another party. Thanks goodness for Photoshop, otherwise it would have ben a real challenge to set up all of the type. (Speaking of, I bet this would look great as a letterpress print.)My favorite parts of the Ketubah, aside from the choice of colors, is the yellow dots representing fire flies hovering around the tree and soil. Without using an under base of white ink, I hit the yellow spots about six times with process yellow ink to really make them pop (see below.) I also love the "I Am My Beloved's and My Beloved Is Mine," line, in both English and Hebrew, just below the space where the rabbi, bride, groom and witnesses sign.
The Ketubah measures 18" x 24", printed in three colors (white, process yellow and custom hand mixed blue) on French Blu Raspberry Pop-Tone 100lb cover stock. Just to be on the safe side I ended up printing six copies just to make sure I had one copy that was usable. The remaining copies will be tucked neatly away in the archives for future reference. (In case anyone is wondering I guess I am now in the Ketubah business. Apparently, not many people make these things. Just one more nifty thing to add to the list of services.)
And on a side note...the studio will be relocating to a new address the middle of February. With all that's left to do work wise I have no idea where I'll find the time to pack. Needless to say, if you don't see any news posted to the blog for a while it means there is work being done!
Hope the new year is starting out swell for you. Keep creating!
