New Thimble Cactus Linocut Print

The original idea for this new cactus linocut print came from a planter of succulents and cactus that my wife made for me not that long ago. There’s one plant that always catches my eye - a thimble cactus with its pattern of spines.

 
Cactus Linoleum Block and Carving Tool

Cactus Linoleum Block and Carving Tool

 
 
Black and White Cactus Linocut Print by Rich Fowler

Cactus Linocut | “Spines” (2020)

 

I hand carved the geometric pattern in battleship gray linoleum with v-gouges. This radial pattern can be found elsewhere in nature, like on Petoskey stones that I see when visiting Michigan. The cactus I have is tiny so this lino block print, which is printed on 16” x 20” acid-free paper, is more than 10x its size. It’s currently available on Etsy.