Flower Crown

I was seriously lacking a creative outlet. It had been years since I had the improv groups, sketch comedy, woodworking, acting showcases, voice lessons, and crafts that kept my hands busy and my mind from wandering to existential something. So I embarked on a creative journey by delving into the world of oil paint relief prints, a popular medium for middle school art classes as their simplicity is perfectly suited to unskilled children; a perfect re-entry into visual art.

Relief Print Process

1. Original Design: Drawn using Procreate, a digital art tool, and printed to expedite the image transfer process.

2. Image Transfer to Linoleum Block: After extensive research to avoid the hell that is carbon paper transfer, I discovered a technique involving a laser-printed design, which, when pressed face down onto the block with a chemical remover like Goof Off, transferred the image perfectly.

3. Block Carving: Instead of pursuing a traditional reduction relief print or single block print, I opted for a multi-block approach which gave me the freedom to create multiple prints with varying colors.

4. Ink Application: I opted for oil paint over acrylic for the extended drying time, allowing me to work at a leisurely pace with the minor drawback of the 2-3 day dry time required before applying subsequent layers.

5. Registration & Printing: Employing a self-made jig to secure the blocks and registration tabs atop each paper to ensure alignment, I embarked on the printing process.