I recently took part in a woodblock printing workshop—something completely outside my usual skill set. I’m not an experienced printmaker, so this was a challenge, but that was the point. Sometimes, you just have to try something new.

The workshop took place at the Antonin Vrba collective, an art studio on the outskirts of Prague. It’s a great space—plenty of room to work, a relaxed atmosphere, and all the tools you need to experiment with the medium.

Leading the session was Dagmar Dolíhalová, a graduate of the Faculty of Design and Art Ladislav Sutnar. She’s been running workshops across the Czech Republic for a while now, sharing her knowledge with artists of all levels.

I quickly sketched out my idea on a block of pine. Then got to work with the cutting tools. I loved the physicality of carving into the wood. And the danger of recklessly wielding a sharp object. Though the results weren’t perfect, I felt pretty good about this first attempt at woodblock printing. Definitely worth stepping out of my comfort zone for.