Julie Williams - Reduction Woodcut Printmaker
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Julie Williams earned her BFA from Northern Arizona University and specializes in color reduction woodcuts and handmade books. Color reduction is a more recent modification of the centuries-old woodcut printmaking technique. They begin the same way - with an artist carving into a woodblock, and then printing the image onto paper. The artist does this on multiple pieces of paper to create a set of prints, called an Edition. However, with reduction printing, instead of using a new block for each color, the artist continues to carve away more areas of wood on the same block, and another layer of color is printed. Going in progression from light to dark colors, the artist prints multiple layers from the single block (usually between 8-24) that create the final image.
Reduction woodcutting is a time-intensive process with each layer of color taking at least a day to dry. Since the previous layers of the woodblock are carved away, no more can be created, so each print is part of a Limited Edition. Printmakers pride themselves on the consistency within their Editions, and there is little to no difference between prints.
Having lived in Arizona for decades, Julie depicts scenes from the Sonoran desert to the woods sprawling over the San Francisco Peaks to stunning views of Grand Canyon. She mixes her own inks to achieve a soft palette that she has become known for. Her work is on display in private and public collections across the country.
Learn more about Julie's artwork in an article in the Noise magazine featuring her and David Williams (her husband and fellow printmaker!).
Reduction woodcutting is a time-intensive process with each layer of color taking at least a day to dry. Since the previous layers of the woodblock are carved away, no more can be created, so each print is part of a Limited Edition. Printmakers pride themselves on the consistency within their Editions, and there is little to no difference between prints.
Having lived in Arizona for decades, Julie depicts scenes from the Sonoran desert to the woods sprawling over the San Francisco Peaks to stunning views of Grand Canyon. She mixes her own inks to achieve a soft palette that she has become known for. Her work is on display in private and public collections across the country.
Learn more about Julie's artwork in an article in the Noise magazine featuring her and David Williams (her husband and fellow printmaker!).
Please visit our Online Store to order Julie's work with just a few clicks! A larger selection of her art is available in our storefront at 20 N San Francisco St in Flagstaff, AZ.