This is a new abstract linocut print titled, Borrowed Time. The block print has a graphic feel with circular and triangular geometric shapes contained within a red structure. It’s printed on 16” x 20” white Stonehenge paper.

Borrowed Time (2021) - Lino Print

Part of the process I enjoyed with this particular linocut was coming up with the three colors that would work best - I did tests with different variations. I made the lino print using the jigsaw printmaking technique. In the photo below, you’ll see some of the different carved linoleum blocks I used.

Linoleum Blocks

It’s currently available on Etsy.

I’ve been working on a lot of linocut projects this year, most of which feature patterning, abstractions, line work or geometric forms. Here’s a small selection of some linocut designs from over the last few months.

They’re all carved in battleship gray linoleum blocks with v- and u-gouge carving tools. A couple of the lino prints are finished and available on Etsy.

Line pattern carved in a linoleum block.

Geometric design carved in linoleum. The final print is available on Etsy.

Linocutting a design with a carving tool.

Carved lino block with v-gouge tool. This final lino print is available on Etsy.

I’ve started a series of abstract aerial landscape linocut prints that I’ve been working on since last year. They’re original artworks made from hand-carved linoleum blocks and I have three in the series so far.

As I’ve talked about before, I try to take a lot of photos out of the airplane window every time I fly. I love that view. Earlier this year, I was reading a library book about Georgia O’Keeffe and was surprised to find out that she too was inspired by views from the airplane window.

I’ve titled the series, “Aloft,” and these are the first three abstract lino prints.

Aloft I - Linoleum Block Print

Aloft II - Lino Print

Aloft III - Linocut Print

This is a short video of me printing Aloft II from linoleum blocks on an etching press in my printmaking studio. I used the same process for each of the prints in the series.

I’ve done a lot of work drawn from my passion for plane flight - you might be interested in these past posts:

From time to time, people ask if I offer linocut workshops and I'm thrilled to now offer an option. I have an online block printing course for beginners and those who want a refresher on the fundamentals, it's called, How to Linocut. This introductory relief printing class was filmed in my studio and teaches you the basics of creating your own lino print at home. A big benefit of this course is that you can start it any time and is self-paced. I've purposefully laid it out in a very straightforward, step-by-step manner to illustrate the linocut process that I enjoy so much.

New Linoleum Block Printing Course

The workshop is taught through a series of five videos and you can go back and rewatch the ones that are most helpful or challenging for you. You'll learn:

• What essential supplies, like ink and tools, you'll need to make a lino print

• How to transfer your design to a block

• Simple linoleum carving techniques

• How to print your block (without a printing press) and what type of paper to use

• Using the rainbow (or gradient) roll to print multiple colors

Students can save time since all the information you need to know is in the easy to follow curriculum. Here's a brief trailer for the new linocut class that I posted on Instagram.

A post shared by Boarding All Rows (@boardingallrows) on May 29, 2018 at 12:38pm PDT

About a year ago, I read a wonderful article in National Geographic titled, "This Is Your Brain On Nature," written by Florence Williams. It spurred me to read more about how spending time in nature positively impacts your brain and body. For instance, exposure to nature seems to have restorative benefits and be a good reducer of stress. There's a ton of research out there (here's a nice summary) including these articles in The Atlantic and Outside Magazine.

I spent time thinking about this and wanted to create a print inspired by both the scientific research and my own family's love of outdoor adventures. This is the resulting linocut print titled, "Mend," that I made from three carved blocks of linoleum. The poster is currently available in my Etsy shop.

"Mend" Linocut Print (2016)

I recently finished a new airport print featuring a departure sign (I talked about this art project and my passion for airports in this previous post). The linocut print is inspired by the big departure boards hanging in international airport terminals, particularly the older ones like the flip-disc and split-flap displays. The split-flap boards made by companies such as Solari di Udine are probably the most iconic type. This article about artists using departure boards from Atlas Obscura (thanks to my friend who sent this to me!), talks about how a lot of these boards are being taken out of airports and train stations and being replaced by digital displays.

"Departures" - Airport Departure Board - Linocut Print

This new print was a lot of fun to conceptualize and plan. I really got to geek out on the details. It's made from two hand-carved linoleum blocks (not three like I was initially planning). I first printed the yellow layer to give the text and signage its color, and once that layer was dry, I printed the black on top.