Countercurrent: conversations with Professor Roger Kneebone Howard Phipps in conversation with Roger Kneebone
May 19, 2025
Howard Phipps, an acclaimed artist and printmaker known for his evocative wood engravings of the natural world, engages in a rich conversation about his craft. He delves into the nuances of wood engraving techniques and the significance of light and negative space in capturing landscapes. Phipps shares his personal journey, reflecting on the interplay between art, nature, and memory. He also discusses the importance of knowing when a piece is 'finished' and the obsessive nature of detail-oriented work in an age of instant gratification.
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Wood Engraving Technique Insight
- Wood engraving uses end grain boxwood that allows very fine detailed cuts.
- The image is created by cutting away wood, leaving the surface inked to print the picture.
Reversal and Light in Wood Engraving
- Wood engraving requires reversing the image because it prints mirror reversed.
- Light is added by cutting away wood, making print's white areas intentionally created.
Multiple Visits for Deep Observation
- Howard revisits a valley repeatedly to capture subtle shape and light variations over time.
- He moves his easel slightly during drawing to create different perspectives of the same scene.
