#linoprint is. crazy

[humanmorph]

everytime i see a new printing technique i go woww i would love to try that

[chalkrub]

having some computer issues btw so i won't open commissions until i've sorted that out - sorry to delay yet again! very irritating for me too. here's a beas i drew in 5 mins to atone for my crimes

also in more exciting and fun news i have a little local exhibition scheduled for august yippeeee yayyyy yay so expect some more linoprints. i'm probably gonna do some more generic designs than usual to appeal to a broader audience i.e people who live in the british countryside. highland cows go crazy with ppl who live in small town england maybe i'll do one of those. on the other hand maybe i'll just stick to what i know and give the cows sharp teeth and scaly tails

[kleefkruid]

Hey, offer for everyone who can use Vinted in their country (at least the EU and some other places, I tried to find a full list but they're not super clear)

I can post these linoprint totebags on Vinted, so we can circumvent the crazy international postage. You'd just have to pay whatever Vinted charges you for the smallest type of package.

Anyone interested? They're 13 euro, the print is in washable lino ink and it's a standard linen totebag in size.

[ramonaprintmakingtwo]

Assignment Two: Abstract prints

I have been looking at the ongoing photographic project by Clarissa Bonet called ‘Stray Light’. Constructed from multiple photos Bonet’s images looks at the light cast within urban environments from different homes. The dark buildings fade into the night sky creating a constellation like image. In the city you rarely see the stars due to the light pollution, Stray Light, highlights the beauty within the city. 

These photos strike differently when viewed through the current pandemic. Many people have been isolated, unable to go out or meet with friends and family. Within the photographic project Individual homes are viewed simultaneously, this creates a sense of shared experience and community. We are all alone together. 

Stray Light (2014- 2018 C. Bonet)

I wanted to use Stray Light as a starting point for a series of abstract prints. breaking the print down into two key layers. The first a more expressive abstract monoprint and the second a black layer making up the buildings. The negative space allowing the monoprint to come through, like the windows in Bonet’s photographs. 

Initial designs and planning

In Abstract Expressionism: The Mystical Experience. Art, Levine describes Action Painting as conveying the personality of the artist from their mark making. ‘Action Painting can be viewed as a surrender of the self and individuality.’ (Levine, 1971).  I wanted to attempt to ‘think less’ for my first layer, focusing on going with my gut rather than trying to plan it. However for the printing to be successful I needed to plan the process and layers. 

Abstract art and Jazz

Norman Wilfred Lewis 

Arrested Fractions (Lewis, 1961), Untitled (Lewis, 1977), Cathedral (Lewis, 1950), Untitled (Urban Abstraction) (Lewis, 1949) City Night (Lewis, 1949)

Lewis was a figurative painter before becoming an abstract expressionist in the 1940s. Although a contemporary of Pollock, Klee, Rothko and Kooning, and despite his active involvement in the movement and his work being featured in exhibitions alongside many credible abstract artists, he does not appear in any of the historical narratives of the time due to being African American and a civil rights activist. Growing up during the Harlem Renaissance Lewis’s work was influenced by the city he lived in, his community and music, specifically jazz. 

The vertical stokes within his work create crowds of people, the movement of music and cityscapes. The use of bright colours overlaid with black in Cathedral and City Night resonate with what I hope to achieve in my  printing. In a audio recording for the MoMa curator Ann Temkin discusses the use of line within City Night (Lewis, 1949)

‘You have the buildings that line both sides of the street and indeed the very thin lines that you see going from the coloured vertical on the left to the colour vertical on the right have been interpreted as the laundry lines or perhaps the power lines that go from building to building in a city.’ (Temkin, 2011)

Lewis’ use of rectangular forms and bold shape is a stylistic aesthetic often associated with Jazz music. Developing alongside each other Abstract Expressionism and Jazz music became synonymous with one another. This has continued to inspire the creative world, more recently with animation. 

Drums West, Jim Henson (1961)

Monsters Inc Opening Credits, Disney Pixar (2010)

It's Just Some Crazy Jazz, Sergio Blanco (2018)

I love colour, and the contrast between high colour and black. I wanted to consider this within my mono-printing keeping the movement fun and joyful.  

Monoprint plates

I used A3 sheets of acetate as my printing plate and a range of materials. Traditional oil based ink, craft ink pads, water, string, thread and sequins. I had various brushes, rollers and tools to make additional marks on the plate also. 

The inked plate prior to printing.

Drying monoprints.

Finished first expressive print layers

I really love the expressive prints, the colours and movement within them. It made it harder to plan for the next layer as I was anxious I may ruin the prints!

First attempt at second layer

My initial idea was to continue using the acetate as a plate to create the areas of black. I cut the acetate into uneven strips, inked each piece and used various tools to remove areas to create the windows. 

One of my monoprints unfortunately had some marks in the boarder from residual ink on my self-healing mat. For this reason I decided to use it as a test print. I later used it to help register the lino layer for the other prints. 

Photo has been edited to try and recreate what it looks like in reality. Unfortunately it is too big to scan. 

I was not happy with the result of the acetate monoprinting. The saturation of the ink was poor, so that the overall print didn’t have the impact that I wanted. For this reason I decided to change printing method and create a linoprint as I knew I would be able to create a stronger image. 

The impact of the print was not what I had hoped nor what I had in my mind. I decided to do additional research into the mid-century aesthetic I had in my mind. I was influenced and inspired by mid-century, Bauhaus and California design. My subsequent research and reflections can be accessed here. 

https://ramonaprintmakingtwo.tumblr.com/post/647827952041689088/artist-inspiration-mid-century-textile-design

Subsequent designs

I wanted to ensure my designs weren’t static and had versatility. For this reason I chose to cut the lino into different strips, much like the weft of the Bauhaus textiles. 

Usually when I carve lino I have made strict plans prior to carving. Using tracing paper I will transfer the design to stained lino often going over the line work with a pen if I’m unsure of the layer I am on. Stepping away from methodical approach to carving, for this design, I just made cuts where I felt they should go. 

Final Prints

Final Selection of Three Prints

Reflection

These are the three prints that I have selected to submit for assignment two. A key element that links the prints is the visibility of the string imprint within the monoprinted layer. When mixing the ink for the black lino layer I cut it with extender in order to reduce the opacity of the ink, this allowed the negative of the string to be seen throughout the print. I wanted to create an abstract print based on Bonet’s photo series, depicting the glow of windows in the night sky, but also to represent the sense of connection and community. The string becomes symbolic of the ties between individuals creating something larger. 

I am pleased with the prints overall from a technical standpoint however there are some parts that I need to improve upon. I’m still getting used to my new press and learning about the correct pressure. Unfortunately I didn’t notice as I was working but there are embossed marks on the outside edges of the top and bottom corners where I had additional lino (in order to prevent ‘jumping’). There are also tiny marks on a couple of the prints which I find incredibly frustrating. I have been trying to improve my practice to ensure my workspace remains clean, my hands remain clean, no enough apparently! I could use disposable gloves in order to keep everything clean however this is something I would like to avoid as it is wasteful. 

 References

Blanco, S., 2018. It's Just Some Crazy Jazz. [video] Available at: <https://youtu.be/tcUgV0PkveA> [Accessed 3 April 2021].

Bonet, C., 2014. Stray Light. [Series of photographs].

Disney Pixar, 2010. Monsters Inc Opening Credits. [video] Available at: <https://youtu.be/nOCc8D2rbkQ> [Accessed 3 April 2021].

Henson, J., 1961. Drums West. [video] Available at: <https://youtu.be/9RysUNvQZTE> [Accessed 3 April 2021].

Levine, E., 1971. Abstract Expressionism: The Mystical Experience. Art Journal, 31(1), p.22.

Lewis, N., 1949. City Night. [Oil on wood].

Lewis, N., 1949. Untitled (Urban Abstraction). [Brush, ink and wash on cream wove paper].

Lewis, N., 1950. Cathedral. [Oil on canvas].

Lewis, N., 1961. Arrested Fractions. [Oil on canvas].

Lewis, N., 1977. Untitled. [Oil on canvas].

Mir, S., 2016. Filling Out the Story: On the Art of Norman Lewis. [online] Hyperallergic. Available at: <https://hyperallergic.com/281487/filling-out-the-story-on-the-art-of-norman-lewis/> [Accessed 3 April 2021].

Temkin, A., 2011. City Night, Norman Lewis. [audio recording] New York: Museum of Modern Art. Available at: <https://www.moma.org/collection/works/140169?artist_id=3524&page=1&sov_referrer=artist> [Accessed 3 April 2021].

[yamamotomeg]

“Entanglement” installation by Meg Yamamoto

MFA Open House exhibition at the FINA Gallery, UBC Okanagan, Kelowna.

www.megyamamoto.com

[godmother-of-gloom]

I may be crazy, but it keeps me from going insane. -Waylon Jennings Forever my favorite outlaw 🤠 #linoprint #blockprinting #printmaking #handcarved #handprinted #womenprintmakers #linocut #popmembers #popmember #peopleofprint #speedballart #waylonjennings #waylon #outlawcountry #outlaw #countrymusic #americana #texas (at Ljubljana, Slovenia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmmaH5NoMWr/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[kennyshkaya]

// 2021 // #artvsartist2021 A year in creativity ! Thanks for your support, kindness, orders and making this space a kind and safe corner to share thoughts and creative projects ! Hope this new year brings its load of crazy surprises ! Have a nice time with the ones you love. ❤ . . . . . . #artvsartist #art #illustration #womenwhodraw #illustrationdesign #print #drawing #sketch #visualart #illustrationart #instadraw #womenwhodraw #illustrationoftheday #illustragram #visualgraphic #graphicart #illustratorsoninstagram #linogravure #linocut #linoprint https://www.instagram.com/velvet_ginger/p/CX4BVQ1M4Qg/?utm_medium=tumblr

[gooddayprinting]

This weekend I finished printing my print for #thoughtpressproject as soon as it’s dry it’s coming your way @paper.fight.art 🌈 . . So honored to be part of the 100 UK printmakers who have been asked to create a print around the theme of childhood memories and imagination and profits will go to @mindcharity and @heart_felt_tips - will let you all know once it’s up in the #thoughtpressproject shop 💕 . . This print is about a childhood memory I have about my mum, who would fix my hair every morning as a child. She always made me feel really pretty to a point where I asked her if I was prettier than her, she said yes and I remember thinking she was crazy because I would never make my children pretty, but never prettier than myself. (Yes even at age 4 I already was very vain ✨) . . #linoprint #noplacelikehome #childhoodmemories #design #mumanddaughterartwork #nostalgia #monday #printsforsale #lino #linocutprint #inkpress #love #pandemiclife #makersgonnamake #inkart #printprocess #folkart #makersgonnamake #femaleprintmaker #femaleentrepreneur #reliefprint #bettertogether #folkprint #printmaking #ownlittleworld #storyteller #im_printed @im_printed #ukprintshow #printstagram @ukprintmakers @ukprintshow #ukprintmakers (at Glasgow, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL3i7ZBl7gr/?igshid=yhmh2tqldun3

[sarahheartsdesign]

Garden daze! In a happy place here. These elephant ears are getting sssoooo big, they’re amazing.🌱🐘👂🏻🌱 I finished carving my second block inspired by this bunch—yippee! Bring on the ink.💚 I’ve taken longer than usual to get things done but I am abiding by the saying: Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. - Lao Tze (read that on a stress-relief tea bag tag😜). 2020—what a year! The saying that just says it all, amiright?🥴 With no markets in sight and no pop-up shops springing up, my focus hasn’t been on making cards and prints. But that doesn’t mean the ideas aren’t flowing. In fact, slowing down this year has me reevaluating and rethinking…everything! It feels like exactly the right time to embrace new thoughts, new ways of seeing the world, and new ways of doing things. Time to imagine my wildest dreams are possible.🙌🏻 It seems crazy to be making any concrete plans though, so I’m not. I am far from being in a place where I feel comfortable making the next big leap so I am taking time to just BE and to be open to opportunities that celebrate my skills. I’m focusing on the things I can do each day—first is work👩🏼‍💻🍻 (so grateful!), creating art I love ✍🏻🎨 (more drawings and carvings on the way), taking online classes 🖥 (never stop learning), writing letters and postcards to try to get out the vote 💌📬📮 (small acts add up to big change), and staying positive and appreciative of each day📚 (gratitude journaling). THANK YOU for reading, liking, and you being you.😘 Keep on keeping on friends! 〰️ ✍🏻 🌱 💚🐘👂🏻〰️ . . . . . . #ladyhanoverpress #botanicaldrawing #printmakingprocess #printforfun #linoleumcarving #linoprint #printmaking #printproject #slowcrafter #elephantears #elephantearsplant #alocadia #taroplant iloveplants #obsessiveart #artinprogress #artmakesmehappy #meetthemaker #artistinthegarden #inspiredbynature_ https://www.instagram.com/p/CCuBxwkgupV/?igshid=yna350lk01jw

[lisaksalerno]

XXIII. Shine like crazy. Aim to be a light in the darkness. Illuminate the way...If your light happens to be too bright for someone, you are not for them & that's okay. Seek out those who encourage you to be your brightest self! ✨🌟💡#art #oracleseries #oracledeck #illustration #linocut #linoprint #printmaking #contemporaryart #lightbulb #shineon

[katok-box]

Hey All, it’s been hella crazy busy for me the last few days so these posts are a little late here’s #day26 of #31DAYS of #linocutprinting for #inktober2019 #reliefprint #inktober #handmadecards #handprinting #cards #handmade #reliefprinting #linocutting #linocut #linocutprint #linoprints #christmascards #xmascards #xmas #timelapse #timelapsevideo #timelapseprocess #print #challenge #31daysofprintmaking #printmakersofinstagram (at Leeds) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4NR25OnsE9/?igshid=13c7wkhdnh0j5

[fashionfurniture]

This chair is upholstered on a crazy quilted style. I created the collage with white fabrics and hand painted silks. #patterncurator #livingwithart #linoprint #americanmade #botanicalprint #handpaintedsilk #windowtreatments #antiques #surfacepattern #interiorspaces #handdyed #apartmenttherapy #madebypeoplenotfactory #sewingpatterns #homesearch #artcurator #handprintedfabric #interiorspaces #livingspaces #drapery #bordado #sarapalaciosdesigns #interiordesigner #artinamerica #artinterior #maisonobjet #wearepremierevision (at Los Angeles, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/BysgCJNprrn/?igshid=1t5fkw8ddp3li

[tanyabhandari]

Crazy H . . . . #36daysoftype #36days_H #36daysoftype06_tb #36daysofype06 #36days_adobe #contest #tanyadrawsthings #linocut #linoprint #linoleumprint #reliefprint #printmaking #printmakersofinstagram #get_imprinted (at San Francisco, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwBQoUEHEkF/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1y1zlooy1k9xd

[unascott]

I’m still waiting for the big press to be delivered, so I decided to do a mini reduction print in the meantime. It’ll keep me from going crazy and lets me do color tests. . . #linocut #linoprint #woodcut #woodprint #reliefprint #printmakers #linograbado #dallasart #dallas #letterpress #womenprintmakers #unascott #buylocal #ntpg #dallasprintmakers #frogsofinstagram #frogs http://bit.ly/2uPBYxt

[viridianhouse]

I love the new paper I ordered recently, so today I've been printing like crazy! Already used up all the sheets I bought 😅 I'll be putting some of these up in my etsy shop soon 🤞🎨 #linoprint #linocut #edinburghartist #eildons #zerkall

[artnesto]

stress