Rod Nelson

Rod Nelson is a printmaker whose works are available online and in our gallery at Wychwood Art. Rod Nelson had worked for his whole life with wood which has undoubtedly helped him with some aspects of woodblock printmaking. Although Rod has been making woodcuts for many years now, he is still continually excited by the potential of this ancient medium. Woodcut makes images that simply can not be made in any other way. It sits on the boundary between art and craft - and anyone making woodcuts will quickly experience the delights and terrors of both. Developing a personal style has not been straightforward for me. I was aware, from the very beginning of my work, that a dichotomy existed between rigid control and chaotic freedom and could see that a ‘sweet spot’ lay between the two. Reliably finding this proved very elusive. The artist comments 'Nobody who works with woodcuts can be unaware of the incredible work from China and Japan, where it is an art form traditionally rated as highly, if not higher, than painting. Whilst marvelling at the Eastern mastery, I wished also to be open to influence from European tradition.' Hi present work has found its own style from an experimental approach that he has been developing and which he is finding very exciting. It is rooted in an appreciation of flowing lines, and the energy that seems to arise from the discipline necessary to portray flow. If you are interested in work by Rod Nelson please contact devorah@wychwoodart.com or alternatively contact 01869 388 155