This linocut features lichen I found on a branch above the Waikirikiri river close to Coalgate. I was fascinated by their forms and colour, and wanted to showcase these features. However, I also wanted to reflect the way lichens visually harmonise with their environment, to the point of often being unnoticed. In the end, I chose to work with layers of translucent ink. The translucency was achieved by two methods, first, I blended the ink with extender (a translucent medium) and second, I rolled very thin layers of the ink on to the lino.
This piece was created by building up several layers of ink, printed by using both a glass baren and a press, from two pieces of lino, which were progressively carved away between colour layers. A limited edition of 16 original prints was created this way. Printed with Caligo safewash inks (oil based) on Kitakata fine art paper from Japan.
As I worked on this piece, I read about lichens, and was particularly struck by two of their features. Lichen can be dormant for months, waiting for a gentle rain or mist to come, when they spring to life and colour again, a sensation I resonate with. They are also indicative of good air quality, and now whenever I see lichen, I find myself taking deep replenishing breaths.
Over half of the edition is now spoken for. If you would like one of the remaining ones, it is available to newsletter subscribers for $125 (the full price is $160) – contact me at soonlee.spicer@gmail.com
Above are photos of:
- the process; carving the lino, inking it and printing it to paper;
- some of the layers of ink, being built up to form the image.
Soon-Lee Spicer - Artist 