“Navigational Aid” was composed using five plates printed onto navigational charts that had been in use onboard AmNav tug boats. Most of the charts were specifically of San Francisco Bay, and the waterways and tributaries that meet in the bay. They were printed using a homemade printing press.
If interested, contact me via instagram DM @joshbarlas or email joshbarlas@gmail.com
The image is printed on navigational charts retired from use on the APL President Wilson. Six separate blocks were used (though the first is nearly invisible).
I chose to create the carp print after sailing around the Pacific and delivering cargo to Japan, China, and South Korea. The carp and koi fishes have strong cultural relevance in the region, and have historically been represented in visual art work. There is a Chinese legend of the Dragon’s Gate, which is described on Wikipedia: “The legend states that while many carp swim upstream against the river’s strong current, few are capable or brave enough for the final leap over the waterfall. If a carp successfully makes the jump, it is transformed into a powerful dragon.” The metaphor is one of struggle towards a worthy goal.
The greeting card design was based on a traditional Noh mask of an Oni, a mythological Japanese demon. There is a history of traditional Oni tattoos. They are printed on any scraps or appropriately sized cardstock, and more are printed as I need them. I include a greeting card of some sort with all prints that I ship.
If interested, contact me via instagram DM @joshbarlas or email joshbarlas@gmail.com
The greeting card design was based on a Sailor Jerry traditional tattoo. They are printed on any scraps or appropriately sized cardstock, and more are printed as I need them. I include a greeting card of some sort with all prints that I ship.
If interested, contact me via instagram DM @joshbarlas or email joshbarlas@gmail.com
“La Estrella” is six plates printed onto four different types of paper using a homemade printing press. This image was inspired by several sources – tarot, Mexican Loteria cards, romantic painting, and symbolism.
If interested, contact me via instagram DM @joshbarlas or email joshbarlas@gmail.com
“Ocean Giant” is a single plate printed on Navigational Charts as well as Wanderings Handmade White Deckle Edge Blank Paper. These charts were used in the navigation of the Ocean Giant, SeaCor’s heavy lift ship. A shop press in the engine room of the ship was used as a printing press.
“Still Life Of Anniversary Bouquet” is six plates printed onto BFK Rives Printmaking Paper, White, 300 GSM. It was made using a home made printing press. This was a run of 70 prints and they were given away as a gift to guests who attended our wedding.
“The Anchor Radius” used three plates printed onto navigational charts. These charts were used in navigation of Foss tugboats. “Anchor Radius” is a term describing how far an anchored vessel can pivot around a fixed point (the fast anchor).
If interested, contact me via instagram DM @joshbarlas or email joshbarlas@gmail.com
The greeting card design was based on Tarot imagery and the sacred heart. They are printed on any scraps or appropriately sized cardstock, and more are printed as I need them. I include a greeting card of some sort with all prints that I ship.
If interested, contact me via instagram DM @joshbarlas or email joshbarlas@gmail.com
“The Age Of Exploration” is five plates printed onto Speedball Arnhem 1618 Printmaking Paper using a homemade printing press. It is based on an image of Ernest Shackleton’s ship, The Endurance, which was shipwrecked in Antarctic ice floe.
If interested, contact me via instagram DM @joshbarlas or email joshbarlas@gmail.com