New York Film Locations



The Woodcut Artist

2 March 2013

Loren Kantor is a woodcut artist living in Los Angeles, who has carved a number of original woodcut prints inspired by New York films.

“I fell in love with woodcuts in the 80's when I attended a German Expressionist art show at the LA County Museum,” explains Loren. “The exhibit featured the work of Kathe Kollwitz, George Grosz and Karl Schmidt-Rotluff. I was mesmerized by the stark lines and intense power of the prints.”

Loren continues, “About four years ago, my wife gave me a woodcutting set for my birthday. I viewed some online tutorial videos and I dove in headfirst. The process begins when I find an old photo or image that I like. From this image I make an initial pencil sketch which I then transfer to a wood or linoleum block. I use standard woodcutting blades and gouges and other odd tools. Once the image is carved I clean the block, apply a thin layer of ink and hand press the image on archival paper using a Japanese Baren. The entire process takes 40 to 50 hours depending on the size and complexity of the image.”

“Though I was born and raised in Los Angeles,” says Loren, “I love the creative energy of New York. When I think of New York I envision Jim Jarmusch and Woody Allen and Lou Reed and Steve Buscemi. There's an artistic vibrancy that only happens in New York and I love carving woodcuts as tribute to these unique icons.”

Asked about future projects, Loren told otsoNY that he plans to produce works of actors Spike Lee, Willem Dafoe, Martin Scorsese and Robert DeNiro as well as scenes from such films as New York: King Kong, Taxi Driver, On The Waterfront, Rear Window and The Godfather.”

You can follow Loren Kantor by accessing his online blog at woodcuttingfool.blogspot.com



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