What is linoprinting?

Linoprint is a type of printmaking method, where artists carve a design into a block of lino using metal tools. The grooves the tools make in the lino creates the space where ink can’t transfer to the paper. Specialist printmaking ink is mixed and transferred onto the lino block using a roller (or brayer). Paper is then placed on top of the block and either manually rolled through a printing press, or pressure is applied by hand using a baren. I have used both methods to create prints.

Linoprinting allows artists to manually make multiple copies of the same image, although there will always be elements of uniqueness to each print due to the handmade nature of the methods. There are several different ways to create multicolour linoprints, my preferred method is the reduction print, detailed below.

What is a reduction print?

A reduction print is a technique used by printmakers, where one block of lino is used for every layer of colour on the print. I gradually carve away more layers and details from the same block of lino, inking each layer of colour up and transferring onto paper, before moving onto the next. By the time I am finished the block is almost gone and completely destroyed. This means that each print only has a limited number of editions, and can’t be replicated again, which I think makes them rather special.

What are editions of prints?

Editions of prints are the number of prints made using one linoprint design. I normally create small edition runs of prints due to the complexity and number of layers involved. Each print is ‘editioned’ which means I include what number in the edition the print is at the bottom. For example, 1/6 means you own one print of only 6 ever made. I edition my prints in pencil by my signature and title of the print at the bottom of the art, which is traditional in the art world.

What paper do you print on and how thick is it?

I print using acid free paper only, normally made from cotton, this means that it is of archival quality. Acid in paper contributes to yellowing and deterioration over time, which artists want to avoid. I source my paper from manufacturers that make a high quality product, such as St Cuthberts Mill in the UK, specialising in durable and beautiful mould made artists' papers.

300gsm is the weight of the paper that I normally use to print with, although I will sometimes use 145gsm for 1-2 colour prints. Paper can vary in weight, office printer paper and notebook paper is normally 70-90gsm, some artists use very thin japanese style paper at 45gsm which is almost translucent. For my reduction prints i prefer a much thicker cotton paper which reminds me more of a canvas, so that i can layer colours up. I will always list the weight of the paper in my print details.

Is it all handmade or do you ever sell digital prints?

All of my prints are 100% handmade by me. I carve each print, mix the ink, and roll it by hand through a printing press. The printing press is completely manual, not digital. I don’t have any plans at the moment to sell any digital prints.