New Lichen Linocut Underway
The Subject
This was the lichen laden branch I came across while walking the Bluff track above the Waikirikiri river. It is a miracle of colour, structure and fine detail, and I thought it would make a great subject both for a small print exhibition I have entered in Japan, and for the series of botanical linocuts I am creating over the course of this year.
Initial Design
This was the initial design I prepared for a linocut. However, when I came to draw it on to the lino, I wasn’t happy with the composition. I redrew it several times over the course of some weeks.
The design needed to meet the requirements of the Japanese exhibition, which are that it be printed on washi paper, and that it is A4 sized.
Final branch design on lino
This is where I am now at. I’m happy with the branch design, particularly the incorporation of the searching lines as I drew it, and I am going to print it first. I will then build up the lichen shapes over the branch shape. I find it exciting that I can’t quite picture how the finished result will look.
These will be $125 each, and if you’d like to reserve one, message me to let me know. As always, reserving one does not oblige you to buy it, it just means that once finished, I will set one aside for you to decide on, before I make it publicly available for sale.
Two Prints Recently Finished
PROTECT, PROSPER, PIONEER
Reduction Linocut
This piece considers how although our native plants are highly vulnerable to fire, and the threat to them increases as our climate changes, these three plants are not defenseless. Kōtukutuku, tree fuchsia, can be planted as a green fire break. Mānuka releases its seeds in response to fire; and Tikumu, mountain daisies, are able to pioneer into spaces that have been disrupted by fire. The composition of this piece echoes the form of a flame, and I experimented with flat, bright colours and lots of empty space.
An edition of 17 prints were created, and two are still available for $135 each.
THE ROAD TO KURA TAWHITI
Drypoint, monoprint and watercolour
I find it a moment of elation when, on the road to Kura Tawhiti/ Castle Hill, you drop from Ōtāneuru/Porters Pass into a vast and almost alien basin. It appears somewhat barren, but it is filled with stories of exploration, injustice, intrepidness, discovery and loss.
I enjoyed the challenge of conveying a sense of shifting light and wide expanse into a small print, and used composition, mark-making and tone to do so. This piece was created by scribing the inside of almond milk tetrapak carton, wiping Charbonnel Aquawash etching ink over it, and printing it to damp Fabriano Rosaspina paper. It was then hand coloured with watercolour.
A small edition of 12 original prints was created this way. I have one still available for purchase for $125.
Soon-Lee Spicer - Artist 