††
The asterisk * and dagger † are used as a symbols in scientific literature to denote a footnote, a direction to go to the bottom of the page for more information, a suggestion to dig deeper. The asterisk is the primary symbol used to mark the first footnote on a page, then the double asterisk is used for a second footnote. The dagger may be used for the third footnote and finally if there are too many issues ††
The asterisk* and dagger are used as a symbols in scientific literature to denote a footnote, a direction to go to the bottom of the page for more information, a suggestion to dig deeper. The asterisk is the primary symbol used to mark the first footnote on a page, then the double asterisk is used for a second footnote. The dagger may be used for the third footnote and finally if there are too many issues needing closer attention a double dagger used for a fourth footnote.
While the asterisk is a friendly little typographic mark the dagger suggests menace. The phrase “a footnote in history” denotes something lost in the past. Apart from denoting a secondary footnote the dagger is the symbol used to indicate the death of a person, and also the extinction of species; the passing away of life that will never return. A final footnote.
The Double Dagger Art project hopes to draw attention to species under threat of extinction, by making pictures that tell an immediate story but also lead to written information. Words and pictures working together. Throughout this website there are essays to explain pictures. Footnotes to follow.
Collaboration
Environmental activism encourages people to find common cause and explore issues together. And so it is in making art, collaboration can combine the different skills and drive of people to bring projects together and get them completed.
Many of the prints made here combine the carvings of two artists, Tom Kristensen and Joanna Bradley, working in different styles. Often a black linoleum block is used over the top of woodblocks. Lino has the advantage of being easy to carve while woodblock offers more subtle use of Japanese printing techniques. Two carving styles makes for a double dagger approach.
There are two basic styles of knives used to carve the blocks to make prints. The hangi-to with the round handle is the traditional primary carving tool used in timber. Gouges, seen here with a square handle, can also be used to carve an image in lino. Again, a double dagger approach.
*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ides_of_March_coin
Politics
Double Dagger prints are meant to be shared with people whomake decisions affecting the future of wildlife. A picture can save a thousand words and perhaps have more impact than a long written submission. A lovingly made print is hard to ignore and may even end up on the tearoom wall.
I really enjoyed reading this introduction, Tom – the rhythm and shapes of the words and ideas, so beautiful woven together. I’m looking forward to exploring the site further …
Hello Tom,
I’ve just found this website — delightful and informative.
I was told you posted a video of the breakthrough of the spit. I happened to be in Maianbar for a few days when the path to Bonnivale was knee deep and I waded through, The next day the was impassable and the water was nearly over the bridge and the next day there was huge excitement that there was a breakthrough. We saw the water pouring out wild and fast and powerful. I’d love to have a video of it to show Hal.
Is it on the web somewhere?
Best wishes to you and Madelaine.
Gillian Cowlishaw — wife of Hal Wootten in case you dont remember !!
Oh, and my email address is gillian.cowlishaw@sydney.edu.au
Gillian, how could I forget? If you go to Facebook I have tagged you on a video that is posted on the Maianbar Ecology Group, there is oodles of other video and commentary there, but yes I should do a summary here. Regards to Hal.