Springdale Art and Nature Prints

I recently became acquainted with the Springdale Art and Nature Center project when asked to participate in a fun printmaking fundraiser. Twenty artists were to create a 9 x 12 linocut, then hand pull a limited edition of 12 prints.

So first, I had to find out what the Springdale Art and Nature project was all about.

Pretty cool! So first, I had to sketch up a design. The theme for this project was ‘Roots and Wings’. My thoughts turned toward a prairie type scene. When I stumbled across the quote by Emily Dickinson about bees and clovers, I immediately had a plan. Adding words may seem tricky, but it really is not. Letter the correct direction on your sketch, and when you turn it over and transfer the pattern onto your surface, it will be correctly backwards! Once carved backwards, it will transfer to your print back in the right direction.

I used a linoleum block and transferred my image directly on to it from a full sized sketch. I loved working on this project because I could just pick up the carving knife and get a little done in stray minutes here and there. I found it a relaxing change of pace and welcomed the bits of meditative time working on it. I really liked the detail that I could get using a linoleum block, and liked how it printed as well.

I typically use a Blick or Speedball linoleum knife set to carve, but recently treated myself to a new tiny knife, which I think is actually a wood carving knife, but it worked great. I also found that sharpening the blades on my old sets made me much happier with them!

To print, I used my preferred set up with my paper (I used hot press watercolor paper) on the left, then my block with a washi tape guide the size of my paper. To the right of the block is my inking palette and brayer. I used water soluble block printing ink for my prints.

Then came the satisfaction of printing. There is nothing like the feeling of pulling that print off the block and seeing the final result emerge! (Video is reversed, the lettering really did come out the right direction!)

The prints of all 20 participating artists will be exhibiting at various places in the coming year, beginning with Carriage Factory Gallery where they will be in a show opening on November 19. They will also eventually be available online on the Springdale Art and Nature Center website. Proceeds go to help in the development of this local treasure.

I have a couple of other hand pulled prints currently available in my etsy shop: ‘Shelter in Place’ and ‘Old Faithful’

I am already looking forward to my next carving and printing project. AND I am so excited to share the fun in a stamp carving and printmaking workshop on Dec. 5. Participants will have the opportunity to create stamps for gift tags, etc. and a 4 x 6 inch block for their own holiday cards. You will learn the materials, tools, and techniques for carving stamps that can be used alone, or in your own artwork. We will cover two part stamps, repeating stamps, and more!

Don’t be intimidated, stamp carving is easier and funner than you think, and you end up with something that can be used over and over and over in your creative life!

Thanks for stopping by!