Sara Tabbert
Ice Series

Sara Tabbert lives in Fairbanks, Alaska. Ten years ago, he returned to his hometown of Fairbanks, Alaska and built his studio there. He traveled to Buenos Aires to carry out a production residency at the ´ace workshops.

His main interest is wood engraving. She is an exquisite and excellent woodcut artist who developed a small series of printed works on fine handmade paper using both sides.

His residency in ´ace was sponsored by a grant from the Alaska State Arts Council, USA.

ARTIST’S TESTIMONY

During my seven days at ´ace I worked with images based on ice. I have been interested in the sudden change between liquids and solids and how to represent that moment when a fluid substance turns into something else. Last winter I came across a lake that had been washed by the wind and the forms of vegetation and air trapped in the ice have been on my mind ever since. I have finished three copies of the series and the plan to follow is to work on several more throughout the winter.

I think the way I do my work is totally related to the topic. I make the engravings on wood layer by layer using a combination of multiple methods. Although there is no overall plan, first of all, I am always open to changes in the image as you go through the printing process. Just as frozen water forms new layers and builds different structures on top of the surface, my works change surprisingly, with each series through the press. Having to constantly make impressions makes editing not a mechanical experience. It is also a high-risk form of engraving – each time more information is added, you risk ruining what has already been created. For me, the pleasure of the experience is when things go well and it is worth the gamble of losing an impression.