Ben Zvi's
Woodcuts.
One of the oldest techniques in prints in general and Art
prints in particular, is the Woodcut or Woodblock print. Almost
nothing have changed during thousands of years, even the traditional
materials (except colors) are the same. Every Artist expresses
his style and character in his own way, making a different
use in the exclusion of the print. Ben Zvi's Woodcuts are
unique in a few aspects: in small editions (30-50) in excellent
materials and in professional execution of each print. The
fact that he makes his prints himself in his own studio, his
personal control, during and after completion of each print,
enables him to add significant details by hand, which makes
the prints unique. The special technique developed by Ben
Zvi, requires the destruction of the "Plate" after
the use of each color and makes a reprint impossible, after
the completion of the edition. As a Japanese, who grew up
with this ancient- new technique, I admire his unique and
different approach in his Woodcuts and the universality of
his topics. The Artist Ben Zvi, who is known by his monumental
bronzes and large paintings, which my be found in many important
Art collections throughout the world, applies the same earnestness,
the striving for perfection and the same sincerity in his
Woodcuts, which are an important and integral part of his
works.
Mhsayuki
Ohnishi, Jerusalem.
