Strength & Sacrifice II // Paradox Series // limited edition

This is an original LIMITED EDITION handmade linocut print featuring a vintage-style hand holding a poppy flower printed in red ink on natural off-white handmade paper.

The design is hand-printed using a carved Japanese rubber block and handmade Lokta paper. Each print will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis starting with edition number 4.

The paper size is 6"x9" and ships unframed.


MEANING

The poppy flower traditionally symbolizes death, or peace, or sleep. In this piece the poppy represents willingly dying to yourself to give life to something outside yourself. The hand gesture is one of release and acceptance—acknowledging the autonomy of this newly growing beauty and accepting the pain of the sacrifice you made without expecting anything in return.


PROCESS

-This print was made with one block, carved and printed with red ink
-The block was 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
-Made without solvents or harsh chemicals
-Each print arrives unframed, frame not included
-Each print comes with a signed Certificate of Authenticity

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.


LIMITED EDITION

There are a total of 25 prints in this limited edition. I will not be re-printing this paper and ink combination when these are sold out. As a buyer, this means that the value and scarcity of these prints will remain steady. I reserve the right to print editions with alternate paper or ink colors in the future.


MATERIALS

Paper:

Lokta: (60gsm) An acid-free lightweight neutral-warm handmade paper from Nepal. This paper has a rich texture with interesting variations, the perfect companion for a single color print.

Ink:

Cranfield Caligo Safe Wash Relief Ink (Oil-Based)


FRAMING SUGGESTION

This print arrives unframed. I recommend framing in a standard 9"x12" frame, either floating or with 1.5" matting around all sides.