Morse River Headland, Maine. Handprinted linocut print, © 2021 Patrick Norton

Morse River Headland, Maine. Handprinted linocut, © 2021 Patrick Norton

This image began with a drawing based on a photo which I transfered to a piece of artist's linoleum (a version of the flooring material). I cut away the white areas with gouges (like small wood chisels but concave) leaving only the areas and lines intended to be black. I then inked the block with a roller and placed it in a forme, which is a sort of frame that holds the block in proper alignment with the paper to be printed on. I inserted the paper against the registration tabs, laid felt blankets on top, and I rolled the whole set through my press. The result is a reversed (R-L image of the carved block.

Handprinted linocut print, 15" X 12", printed area approx. 12" x 9" on acid-free mulberry-blend paper. Cranfield Caligo Safe Wash oil-based ink. With cellophane sleeve.