"Affirmations" is a woodblock print done in the Japanese style (木版画 or 木 版 感). I’ve spent the last year teaching myself various relief printing techniques and settled on this as my favourite, though I’ve found something to love about all of them. In the process, I've set myself a series of "assignments" through which to learn both carving and printing techniques. "Affirmations" is one of those assignments.

Why a QR code?

First, it helped me develop some discipline and patience as well as a feel for the wood while carving. Second, I find the idea of carving a QR code in wood hilarious. Who does that? Finally, as a creative person, I'm sometimes overwhelmed by the negative self-talk which will block me if I let it get out of hand. One of the tactics I employ is to have a series of quotes which always inspire me close to hand to remind myself that ALL artists feel this way sometimes, and all I need to do is keep moving, keep working.

On the other side of that QR code is a web page that presents a random affirmation from my collection of quotes. Scan the QR code with your phone or mobile device and you'll be taken there. If you have one (or several) of your own inspirational quotes, please share them. There's a form you can use to submit any quote you like which you find inspirational.

Stefan Lehmann

Working primarily in abstraction, Stefan makes paintings, prints, and drawings in Victoria, BC, Canada. He became a member of Gage Gallery in 2023.

stefanlehmann.com
@stefanlehmannvisualarts