Pollo Est - 100 BCE
This project arose from a sketch of a chicken broken apart into segments. I was caught on the style the segmentation created and wanted to transfer the work to a linoleum print. Before moving to the final medium I explored several ways to thicken the form lines and integrate the white space.
Once I'd settled on a final form I worked the image onto the linoleum using pencils, sharpies, and a straight edge.
One of my favorite aspects of linoleum is that the carving process leaves striations which can enhance the overall piece. It's as if the inability to erase the process taken to achieve an end inspires more thought during the making of the piece. For this reason all my cuts followed the contours of the image. This way any lines that appeared on the print would echo and enhance the overall effect of the piece.
I decided on red and blue ink after the initial black test prints.
The two color prints were among the first few inking attempts. It was at this point that I discovered that the mixing and preparation of the ink itself is vital to any print. Getting the right consistency and thickness was a process of adding linseed oil and mixing.
Once the principle prints were finished I mixed the remaining red and blue ink and was left with a deep purple. I couldn't resist trying a print and managed to get a really clean result on the first go. The lines are strong and the color is subtlly beautiful.
Thanks for watching!