Not Everyone Has a Map to Reach the Edge of the Earth...........But, We Do!

My journey through Corsica "L'Île de Beauté" is a scouted-out project. It begins with a 5-hour ferry with my car from Nice to the Port of Calvi, reputedly the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. From there, I will use the following villages and port towns as home bases:

As the falcon flies, Corsica is approx 50 miles wide x 110 miles long. My course will take me to the towns and villages tucked throughout as well as the coastal villages and port towns. Also, there are 99 watchtowers strategically located around the perimeter of the island. 

  

But, the island is full of logistical challenges -including an extraordinary mountain range down the center. The highest peak of Corsica, Monte Cinto, is over 8800ft and considered one of the most prominent peaks in Europe. The GR20, recognized as one of the top hiking trails in the world, begins from Calenzana to Conca. Navigation will be tricky. I will certainly encounter ghost towns and the beast, Sanglier!!

The Edge of the Earth ~ Corsica

Lisah Horner's visual interpretation and historical documentation of the staggering geography and turbulent history of Corsica, France, "The Island of Beauty."

Become an Amethyst, Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, or Supernova sponsor of this project through Kickstarter.com

I am an artist and gallery director in Berkeley, California. I would like to invite you to join me in the evolution of my next body of work, "The Edge of the Earth ~ Corsica." The process involves my extensive solo exploration and photo-documentation of the staggering geography and turbulent history of Corsica, France, the most mountainous island in the Mediterranean that has fiercely fought for independence since Roman occupation. 

The result of this journey will be a series of 10 hand-colored block prints and a comprehensive book detailing my experience with Corsica's people, the history of the island, photographs, and images of my completed body of work. 

Why Corsica? 

It's because of the unparalleled beauty of the island and the fierce independence of her people throughout history.

I have an unbound curiosity for divided countries, outlaws, misfits, survivors, and the exiled. Corsica, "The Island of Beauty," was the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, Pasquale Paoli leader of the Corsican Revolution, and reputedly, Christopher Columbus. The island was conquered by the Moors, the Romans, the Pisans, the Genoese, the King of Aragon of Spain, and an organized yet unknown sea-faring tribe. With evidence of being inhabited by the unknown as far back as 6570 BC, it is widely recognized that the giant cannibalistic Laestrygonians described in Homer's Odyssey were the 7th century BC inhabitants of Bonifacio in the south.

The ghosts of Corsica's history are palpable and will be a significant feature in the book. But, it is the astonishing beauty of the island that beckons most and will be the star of this series. 

Art Technique

Detail of a linocut from Lisah's "State of Jefferson" series.

My major influences have been the 20th century Japanese wood block printmakers Kawase Hasui and Hiroshi Yoshida. Instead of using their multiple block printing method for my work, I incorporate the early, single 'key block' technique using linoleum. The linoleum surface is carved out to remove the negative or white space of the print. I often use linoleum areas of up to 2 feet by 3 feet to capture the scale and grandeur of the landscape.

Once I finish the carving, I handprint the linocut using black oil-based ink on watercolor paper. Later, I hand-color the print with watercolor that I mix myself. I developed this technique to achieve the radiance of color that tube paints and traditional block printing inks cannot provide. 

This technique is what I used for the completion of my series, "The State of Jefferson" and how I will produce the work for "The Edge of the Earth ~ Corsica."

Linocut Example

Hand-colored linocut print from the linocut above.

For Your Consideration

Without question, "The Edge of the Earth ~ Corsica" project and journey will take time and sponsorship in order for me to be successful. Planes, trains, ferries, and an automobile are necessary to get to all of the locations on the island I plan to document -most of which are extremely remote. 

There are 8 reward levels for you as an official backer of this project through Kickstarter.Com Amethyst, Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, and Supernova level backers will be acknowledged in the finished book. 

I'm very grateful for your consideration. It's an incredible opportunity for to me to share this extraordinary place with you through my artwork and the book. 

The success of this project will enable you to stand with me at the edge of the earth. The view and the history will astonish you.

Become an official backer of "The Edge of the Earth ~ Corsica"