Zealous Alchemy

Zealous Alchemy is the printmaking pseudonym of Jack Williams, a xylographer (woodcut printmaker). Although he is currently studying a degree in Art Practice, he is self-taught as a printmaker. Thus, Jack approaches the medium in his own distinct fashion, whilst also endlessly researching and looking for additional knowledge concerning printmaking.

His process involves first creating a design digitally, with his preferred software being Clip Studio Paint. “I do not just do a rough draft or leave certain aspects of the drawing blank to be created during the carving process – I make my design exactly how I want it to look,” says the printmaker. This allows Jack a greater degree of control, and to work with his meticulous attention for detail. He then transfers the design onto a piece of wood, using a laser printout of his digital design. Depending on the project, Jack uses either Gampi paper or acetone to transfer the design directly onto the woodblock. He then carves the block, using a combination of Western-style gouges and Japanese-style knives and flat chisels. Once the block is complete, he inks it and prints it onto paper, either by hand with a baren or with a press, depending on the project.

Jack tells us that his favourite print that he has created so far is The Great Arab Revolt (1916-1918). This piece was carved into a 45x30cm block of birch ply. The piece took over 100 hundred hours to create, including 75 hours carving! The Great Arab Revolt (1916-1918) depicts a Bedouin camelry charge, during the eponymous Great Arab Revolt.

Jack states; “With this piece, I wanted to highlight a different theatre of battle from World War One. WWI is heavily associated with trench warfare throughout Europe, yet combat took place in many different places in very different ways. The thought of Arabs in robes, camels, shamshirs, and jezail muskets just aren’t commonly associated with the war. The film Lawrence of Arabia (1961) shined a strong spotlight on the Arab contributions to the war, however being over 60 years old now few of the younger generations will have seen it. I hope that with this woodcut print, I can spark an interest in the fascinating story of both T.E. Lawrence and the Great Arab Revolt, and how those events have shaped the world to this very day.”

Jack has an eclectic range of interests, including country music, anime, cinema, and history – especially the history of war. By combining the ancient artform of woodcut with his own interests, the printmaker creates something new and unique. “I also want to help preserve the artform of xylography, and hopefully inspire more people to take up this underappreciated medium,” comments Jack.

In the short term, he wants to explore more styles, materials, and techniques within his work. For example, Jack is currently working on a series of woodcut prints based on Egyptology, printed on authentic Egyptian papyrus. In the longer term, he hopes to turn his printmaking into a career, in which he can dedicate the majority of his time to his craft.

www.zealousalchemy.bigcartel.com
@zealousalchemy

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