Dreary Day

Embarking on the artistic journey of printmaking is much like venturing into an enchanted forest with a sharp object—there’s a delightful mix of curiosity and mischief, but also the need for a good map and some trustworthy tools. Within the world of linocut and block printing, John Smith and Marie Le Moal are the playful, yet knowledgeable guides one might wish for. Smith, with his intricate narratives and textured landscapes, infuses his linocut artworks with a sense of wonder that pulls you into his stories with every slice of the blade. It’s as if each state of the print serves you a little appetizer of intrigue, whetting your appetite for more. Meanwhile, Marie Le Moal’s block printing tutorial is a comforting embrace for beginners, sprinkled with humor and a healthy endorsement of artistic imperfections. Her joyful step-by-step journey into printmaking paints a vivid portrait of creativity unshackled by the fear of flaws.

And for those brave enough to dive into this inky pool without their floaties, a video guide to jumping into linocut printmaking demystifies the essentials with an infectious enthusiasm. The tactile pleasures of the medium are made even more accessible with the right supplies. Enter: the Speedball Super Value Block Printing Starter Kit. It’s a treasure trove for the modern printmaker—brayers, cutters, and inks all ready to bring your creative visions to life. Consider these curated selections an entrée into a world where every mistake might just become a stroke of genius and every design a passport to printmaking paradise. So grab your brayer and unleash your inner print wizard—there’s no telling the magic you might carve out.

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Linocut Techniques, Tools, Supplies, Ink and Beginner Tips
Renowned for his expertise in linocut printmaking, John Smith explores his creative process, sharing techniques from carving to final print. Through his intricate designs, he creates compelling narratives and textures, illustrating scenes that provoke thought and intrigue. His playful humor shines as he demystifies the often-intimidating linocut medium for aspiring artists, making it accessible and enjoyable. John’s passion is evident in every slice and ink stroke, offering a fascinating window into the art form.

Artist: John Smith
Medium: Linocut Printmaking
Themes: Intricate Narratives and Textures
Credit: boardingallrows.com

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Simple Block Printing Tutorial by Marie Le Moal
Marie Le Moal delights with a step-by-step tutorial on the joys of simple block printing. Known for her approachable style, Marie guides you through creating charming printed artworks with ease. This process-friendly guide includes detailed instructions on materials, design transfer, carving, and printing techniques. Perfect for those wanting to dip their toes into printmaking, Marie’s tutorial promises satisfaction with a single carve and press. Laughs and the encouragement of imperfections abound, making even beginners feel like masters of the medium.

Artist: Marie Le Moal
Medium: Block Printing
Themes: Simple Printmaking Techniques
Credit: thepostmansknock.com

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How to Start Linocut Printmaking | Block Printing for Beginners 
​Credit: illukace

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Speedball Super Value Block Printing Starter Kit
Credit: amazon.com

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Featured image has been automatically generated with AI, ChatGPT and Midjourney.

Prompt: A whimsical linocut print portraying an enchanted forest scene, where a character playfully navigates with linocut tools like a wizard with a wand, amidst intricate trees teeming with narrative etched detail. The elements of mystery and adventure beckon, while the scene is awash with creative tools like brayers and ink spreading across the landscape like a treasure hunter’s map. Hints of humorous and imperfect designs add a lively, inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of a tutorial by Marie Le Moal, complemented by a blend of tactile delight and vibrant imagination –ar 16:9

The art world is buzzing with a delightful celebration of printmaking, featuring the exquisite works of Tatsu Maker and Sophie Sallade, along with a long-overdue homage to Elizabeth Catlett. Tatsu Maker brings a burst of vibrancy and cultural homage to Singapore’s hawker scene with his meticulous linocuts, capturing the daily hustle of food vendors in a fiesta of colors and authenticity. Across the globe in Richmond, Sophie Sallade finds her muse in the city itself, transforming linoleum blocks into intricate, nature-inspired narratives that excite modern aficionados with their humorous and historic tapestries. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Catlett, an iconic artist whose spirited activism once antagonized U.S. authorities, now receives her deserved spotlight in a touring exhibition. Her art weaves the tales of social justice and the Black experience with grace and fervor, finally lauded for its powerful resonance and rightful legacy. Together, these artists remind us of the enriching interplay between tradition and innovation, each elevating their craft with passion and expressive depth that resounds across boundaries.

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Tatsu Maker: American linocut printmaker creates intricate prints of local hawkers and food vendors
Tatsu Maker, an American linocut printmaker, captivates Singapore’s art scene with his intricately detailed depictions of local hawkers and food vendors. With a keen eye for cultural authenticity and a penchant for painstaking precision, Tatsu’s colorful prints celebrate the rich tapestry of Singapore’s culinary landscape. His work elevates the everyday interactions and vibrancy of local food markets to an art form, meticulously capturing the spirit and hustle of beloved vendors. This cross-cultural homage not only chronicles the unique lifestyles of hawker heroes but also invites viewers to appreciate the aesthetic beauty and cultural significance of daily life in Singapore.
CREDIT: https://www.timeout.com/singapore/art/tatsu-maker-american-linocut-printmaker-creates-intricate-prints-of-local-hawkers-and-food-vendors

Elizabeth Catlett—the artist who was seen as a threat to the US—gets her due with touring show
Elizabeth Catlett, a trailblazing African-American artist whose activism once ruffled the feathers of the U.S. government, is finally receiving her due recognition through a touring exhibition. The show casts a spotlight on her powerful sculptures and prints that interweave themes of social justice and the Black experience. Celebrated for her ability to convey raw emotion and dignity, Catlett’s work is acclaimed for championing marginalized voices. After decades of being unjustly portrayed as a political threat, the exhibition offers a refreshing re-evaluation and celebration of her impactful legacy in the art world.
CREDIT: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2024/08/29/elizabeth-catlettthe-artist-who-was-seen-as-a-threat-to-the-usgets-her-due-with-touring-show

Why linocut artist Sophie Sallade creates unique Richmond art: ‘Richmond is a muse to me’
Sophie Sallade, a Richmond-based artist, transforms linoleum blocks into intricate works of art using the linocut technique. This age-old printmaking process involves carving designs into linoleum, which are then inked and pressed onto paper. Known for her detailed, nature-inspired prints, Sallade’s artistry is an exploration of storytelling through visual elements. She blends humor and history, capturing dynamic narratives within her pieces. Sallade’s innovative approach to this traditional art form is revitalizing local interest and appreciation for the tactile beauty of handmade prints. Her work reflects a fusion of dedication, craft, and creative vision, resonating with contemporary audiences.
CREDIT: https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/sophie-sallade-linocut-artist-aug-23-2024

In the vibrant corridors of London’s Dulwich Picture Gallery, the enduring legacy of the Yoshida family unfolds in “Yoshida: Three Generations of Japanese Printmaking,” a mesmerizing tour through traditional and avant-garde Japanese prints that offers cultural history with a brush of artistic genius. Simultaneously, the Visual Resource Collections and Gallery presents “Fine Print + Foot Print,” an exhibition that echoes the timeliness of environmental consciousness, where contemporary artists ingeniously layer sustainability into their striking prints and textiles. Together, these exhibitions celebrate the confluence of legacy and innovation, proving that art not only adorns the walls but also carries the power of storytelling and environmental advocacy, all while charming an audience that appreciates a masterful fusion of past insights and cutting-edge creativity.

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Exhibition | ‘Yoshida: Three Generations of Japanese Printmaking’ at Dulwich Picture Gallery, London, United Kingdom
The exhibition “Yoshida: Three Generations of Japanese Printmaking” at the Dulwich Picture Gallery in London celebrates the rich artistic legacy of the Yoshida family. Spanning three generations, the exhibition showcases a vibrant collection of Japanese prints that highlight the innovative techniques and themes each Yoshida artist brought to the medium. From the traditional to the avant-garde, this poignant collection chronicles the evolution of Japanese printmaking, as seen through the eyes of one prodigious family, offering an exquisite visual journey peppered with cultural history and artistic ingenuity. Prepare for a dazzling display of artistic dynasty at its finest!
CREDIT: https://ocula.com/institutions/dulwich-picture-gallery-london/exhibitions/yoshida-three-generations-of-japanese-printmaking/

Visual Resource Collections and Gallery hosts ‘Fine Print Foot Print’ exhibition
The Visual Resource Collections and Gallery is showcasing the “Fine Print + Foot Print” exhibition, featuring contemporary printmaking’s dynamic and eco-conscious artistry. This exhibit highlights prints and textiles that explore themes of environmental sustainability, cultural narratives, and innovative techniques. With a focus on both content and medium, these works provide a thought-provoking look at how artists marry tradition with modern environmental concerns. Visitors can expect to see how contemporary artists navigate the delicate balance between aesthetic expression and eco-friendly practices, proving that art can indeed be a catalyst for change while remaining visually and intellectually engaging.
CREDIT: https://www.theshorthorn.com/news/visual-resource-collections-and-gallery-hosts-fine-print-foot-print-exhibition/article_f8c8b19a-851c-11ef-937e-fb825a6a4b7f.html