Close Close prints are important artistic endeavors for many reasons. He is known for his close collaborations with master printers, and the wide range of his printmaking media. He personally supervises the intricate handwork involved in the carving of woodblocks and the making of molds for pulp-paper multiples. He gives exceptional attention to the detail in his prints and will not call them complete until they match his extremely high standards. Among Close's most remarkable prints are those made using the ukiyo-e technique. In this 300 year old Japanese technique, numerous separately carved woodblocks are registered to create a single image. His 2002 print "Emma," which depicts Close's niece, was made with this method. It took 27 individual blocks, a gridded assembly of brilliant dots, loops and ovals all carved into woodblocks to complete the image. The resulting 113 color print is considered to be one of the masterpieces of contemporary printmaking. Also among his most powerful prints are those made with handmade paper. These prints are made by pushing liquid paper pulp through stencils or grills with squeeze bottles and cake decorators. |
