Printmaking: Linoleum Print Owl

This piece was created using a process known as linoleum printing, or lino printing. Lino printing is a form of block printing that involves carving a pattern or design into a linoleum, rubber or vinyl surface that can then be printed from. A well known piece using this method would be 'Under the Wave off Kanagawa' or 'The Great Wave' by Katsushika Hokusai. This process has both pros and cons: since the material being carved has no directional grain and does not tend to split, it is easier to obtain certain artistic effects with lino than with most woods. However, the resulting prints lack the often angular grainy character of woodcuts and engravings.

I decided to use a fun subject of an owl for my print. By using a specialized linoleum carving knife, I chiseled out my desired image. This was then fully inked with a roller and placed on paper through a pressured press. This process was one of my favorites, as I felt I had a great deal of control over my engravings to achieve my desired result.