The final step of map-making is underway–a butt joint secured on both sides of the sheet with strips of a kozo repair paper developed by Timothy Barrett at the University of Iowa. The feathered fibers of the torn strips make for a strong joint, and a smooth transition between the surface of the map and the repair paper.
A kozo strip being applied to the front side of the map.
Work on a new fish print is underway: White Bass (Morone chrysops). Here the various blocks involved have been proofed, and drawn upon in anticipation.
The first printing of the key block of the fish is done, and now the first few hours of most days are spent cutting more away from the block for the next color. It seems my cutting style has evolved into a combination of lines and points. I suspect this is the result of two factors: compensating for the softness of maple (relative to boxwood), and looking at the work of Timothy Cole in a book kindly supplied by Terry Belanger. Both Mr. Belanger and Timothy Barrett are MacArthur Fellows: the pond is small, and getting smaller.
Meanwhile in the big woods spring’s sap flowed wildly, and this year’s supply of Archie’s Pure Maple Syrup is boiled, bottled, labeled, and available.