Charles Buchanan

Charles Buchanan

Printmaking [Birmingham, AL]
www.cbuchanan.net

Charles Buchanan, an Alabama native and Birmingham magazine editor, has lived and traveled all over the South. With block printing—a technique he learned in elementary school—Charles reinterprets his photographs of the city, state, and region, transforming them into bold graphic designs that bring new life to unique icons, highlight overlooked details, and exude a sense of place.

Every block print begins with an interesting photo, which Charles reduces to line art with a computer and tracing paper. After transferring the image onto a rubbery block, he uses metal gouges to carve away every part he does not want to print. Then he rolls ink onto the block and presses it to paper or wood to create the final printed image. Because each piece is printed individually and by hand, no two prints are ever exactly alike. Charles also enjoys layering, mixing, and “ghosting” the images to create one-of-a-kind works that feel both vintage and modern. He finds inspiration in classic advertising and letterpress posters as well as the faded painted wall signs seen in downtown Birmingham.

Charles regularly exhibits at Birmingham’s Naked Art Gallery and has participated in Artwalk since 2004. He is scheduled to be featured on HGTV’s That’s Clever!