Cynthia Back (US)
Cynthia Back is an American Artist. Living in Portugal near the countryside, where she is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, which she then translates into her woodcut prints. Her focus on nature reflects her deep passion and admiration for it.
In Back’s creations, the love for the natural elements is brought to the observers’ focus through the use of bright colors. Back creates exuberant patterns taking notice of every rock, every leaf, every cloud. These prints perfectly imitate immersion in landscape. With her pieces, through slight abstraction and design, she pictures wildlife in its different auras, through seasons and changes in weather. With this exploration, she touches upon important subjects; such as human’s impact on nature and climate change.
When printing, she only uses one single print block. This means she carves only one block, carving over images that have already been printed, and uses it for many layers and colors. This is called a reduction print. This results in the interesting color layering observed in the works.
Lately, she has used the reduction technique to explore classical stilleben motifs in exquisite colouring, shades and depths. The elegant and skillfully crafted tableaus range from smooth patches of abundant black to colourful explosions of blooming flowers. Contemplating her works gives the viewer an opportunity to appreciate the richness and profundity of nature’s own vibrant artwork.
More works you find here >>>
Video with the artist here >>>
Ruin #2: Setting Sun Ruin #4: Cloudy Day
