Bill Ritchie's design work in Nevada
in the
Maria Arango Diener Collection
Active and passive sides of Legacy Mini Halfwood Press No. 47
Legacy Mini Halfwood Press No. 47
Specifications: Made in 2009. Mini Halfwood Press SN60047. Walnut, Ipe, purple heart and ebony trim with brass medallions. The original printmaker's instrument box is not shown.
Ritchie's comment: Maria saw the Legacy Mini Halfwood Press on eBay. Karen Dorcas, in Alaska, the original owner of Number 47, had decided to sell it, and I got them connected. Maria sent email and said that she had wanted one of the Minis for a long time. I knew Maria from her online project, "1,000 Woodcuts" and her DIY book on showing printmaking and selling prints at art fairs. Maria's Website is http://www.1000woodcuts.com where you can buy her book - it's one of a kind!
Click to see test with the original owner Karen Dorcas' plate, "Blue Moose"
Maria's Testimonial: "September 23. 2011 - Dear Bill, I just wanted to let you know this press is absolutely the most delightful, thoughtful, and masterful little thing I have ever seen in my life. I am absolutely astounded at the workmanship and the attention to detail. I may use it someday soon but for now I can just sit and look at it and touch it (carefully so!) with my mouth agape. It is now the centerpiece of my studio and will remain there for the time being until I am done exploring every square millimeter. Words are inadequate but there’s a sweet big grin on my face every time I lay eyes on it.
I’m astounded and, mostly, immensely and eternally grateful."
Nine years later, February 7, 2020, Maria posted the following words on a Facebook page when another printmaker asked for recommendations for a tabletop press: "Definitely vouch for the Halfwood Presses! Works smoothly, prints anything, intaglio, woodcut, wood engraving. Very portable, I'm taking it to art festivals for demos. May even have to get another for my cabin/studio in the mountains!” Maria Arango, Las Vegas, Nevada
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