Photo Credit: BillReiswig
Bill Reiswig Nature Print Titled “Octopus Among the Pilings”
Asking Price: $60 (price as of 2018; item no longer available)
Pros:
-This calming undersea-themed print by the artist Bill Reiswig is titled “Octopus Among the Pilings”. It is an original, mixed linocut and woodblock print that was handcrafted in traditional Moku Hanga style.
-This compelling nature print measures 9.5 inches (24 cm) wide by 7.5 inches (19 cm) tall. It also has a 1.5 inch (4 cm) white margin around the work’s perimeter, making the actual printed area 8 inches (20 cm) by 6 inches (15 cm).
-Bill Reiswig is a self-taught artist living in Olympia, Washington, who specializes in nature-themed prints. Olympia, the capital of Washington state, is located at the southern end of Puget Sound. The city is not only close to the tranquil Pacific Ocean, but also to the majestic temperate rainforests of the Cascade Mountains. Both of these stunning natural environments serve as inspiration for his work.
-Bill Reiswig produces prints using traditional Japanese woodblock printmaking techniques, otherwise known as Moku Hanga. Most contemporary Western artists create Moku Hanga style prints using classic Japanese themes, such as landscapes, animals or nature scenes.
-Bill Reiswig created this undersea print from high quality kozo-pulp paper and water-based, Akua Kolor ink. Kozo fibers are derived from the bark of mulberry trees and are a key ingredient in traditional Japanese print-making paper.
-The artist has skillfully used the repeating vertical pier pilings to give this work a sense of structure and perspective. Repetitive motifs, strokes or lines are a common theme in high quality works of fine art.
-This undersea-themed print is a limited edition work, with only 40 copies created. In addition, each print is individually signed and numbered. Limited edition prints are far more desirable than those with no production cap.
-I love how the subdued oranges and pinks in the foreground of this Bill Reiswig print subtly contrast with the velvety blues of the surrounding ocean environment.
-“Octopus Among the Pilings” is a deceptively simple, yet aesthetically powerful nature print. Why decorate your house or apartment with the reproduction print of an over-exposed, derivative artwork when you can purchase an original, limited edition fine art print like this for only $60?
Cons:
-This nature-themed woodblock print is relatively small and would be overwhelmed in a large space. If you want to hang it in a large room, it would do best as part of an art grouping combined with many other works. On the other hand, it would work superbly if hung in isolation in a bathroom, entry foyer, hallway, small bedroom or other constrained space.
-If you intend to display this alluring Bill Reiswig woodblock print, be prepared to spend an additional $50 to $150 for framing costs. This will drive the total price of the art print up to around $150, which is still a bargain for a beautiful and original work.
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