Woodcuts stand out for their unique and striking aesthetic.
Founded by artist Valerie Leuth, the Pittsburgh-based studio specializes in complex designs full of dreamy narratives.
Tugboat Printshop has been producing prints since 2006.
The subject matter varies from dense landscapes to botanical designs and even architecture.
Leuth finds inspiration for her art from many different aspects of life.
Sometimes it is a dream, or a story, a song, a rhythm, a pattern.
Often it is the sky.
I hunt for context, for joy, for meaning, for system in all I encounter.
Creating woodblocks is a time-consuming and meticulous process.
But, this is part of the appeal to Leuth.
Though the process of making woodblock prints is lengthy, it suits my approach, Leuth continues.
Each step requires its own complete skillset and a different action of the handdrawing, carving, printing.
When I am done drawing, I am ready for the action of carving.
I do not use computers, I do everything by hand.
Clearly, Leuth’s painstaking process pays off, as each print comes out vibrantly on the paper.
Artist Valerie Leuth is the creative force behind Pittsburgh-based studio Tugboat Printshop.
She celebrates the beauty of traditional creative techniques in her portfolio of exquisite woodcuts.
Each of her pieces is made by hand, by meticulously carving designs into wood.
When done correctly, the design should transfer to the paper.
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