Renewal // black variety

This is an original open varied edition handmade linocut print featuring a hand making the gesture of "blessing" paired with crocus flowers contained in a quatrefoil design.

The design is hand-printed using two carved Japanese rubber blocks and handmade Torinoko Light Weight paper.

The paper size is 8"X8" and ships unframed.


MEANING

This print was inspired by a personal trip to Germany in 2021. The quatrefoil shape and the "blessing" hand gesture are commonly seen in the cathedrals of Europe and the crocus flower is among the first to bloom in spring. This design is meant to symbolize renewal and new beginnings.


PROCESS

-This print was made with two blocks, carved and printed with black ink & metallic gold ink
-The blocks were hand-carved in Gomuban (Japanese synthetic rubber carving block) from my original artwork
-The prints are hand-burnished with a Japanese baren and wooden spoon
-Entire process done by me in my home studio
-Each print is numbered, signed, and dated in pencil
-Paper and all inks used are of archival quality to assure the longevity of the art
-Each print arrives unframed, frame not included

Due to the nature of the hand printing process, there are slight variations and imperfections between each print and visible signs of the hand-burnishing technique. This is characteristic of linocut printing and makes each print unique.


OPEN VARIED EDITION

The OVE (or OEV) in the lower left corner stands for Open Varied Edition. This means that there is not a set number of prints planned for this design, and this design may be printed in different colors or on different paper.


MATERIALS

Paper:

Torinoko Light Weight: Handmade paper, 70% gampi, 30% mitsumata. This is a very uniform, fine-fibered paper that is slightly translucent and very soft to the touch. It is a warm cream color.

Ink:

Cranfield Caligo Safe Wash Relief Ink (Oil-Based) & Cranfield Traditional Relief Ink (Oil-Based)


FRAMING SUGGESTION

This print arrives unframed. I recommend framing in a standard 12"x12" frame, either floating or with 2" matting around all sides.