Relief cuts can be done on a variety of mediums, including linoleum and MDF particle board. Relief cuts are defined by the ink sitting on the flat surface of the medium, where anything wanted un-inked is carved away. Due to the nature of the process, only areas of black or white are achievable, so artists utilize texture and line techniques to create areas of visual “grays”.
Contemplation, 18″ x 20″ 2025, Linoleum relief cut
My first large scale relief cut, Contemplation utilizes various hatching and carving techniques to create texture and depth despite being printed in one color. Dark purple was chosen to reinforce the deeper contemplative emotions being expressed in the work as she looks out the window to the left.
The Crow and the Pitcher, 16″ x 20″ 2024, MDF relief cut
Inspired by the fable of the same name, this piece was my first woodcut relief and was the largest scale relief I had done at all. When seen from afar, the texture on the bricks becomes more “gray” allowing the crow and pitcher to stand forward in the composition.
Unfolded, 12″ x 12″ 2024, Jigsaw linoleum relief cut
Inspired by symbolism, both personal and other symbolic objects were used to create a self-reflective work. The various colors in one print were achieved by using a jigsaw technique, where the linoleum block is cut apart into “puzzle pieces” and reassembled on the press bed to be printed all-together. This piece also has a surprise when printed on thin paper, when folded in a square twist card technique, the ferns align to create a wreath that can be “unfolded” to reveal the rest of the work.
Self Portrait, 12″ x 12″ 2023, Linoleum relief cut
Using a high contrast image of ourselves, this project entailed using various cut patterns to create shades of “gray” and depth in our portrait. This project was part of what led me to receive an invitation to join the printmaking program.