It's intriguing how marks made by tools are like handwriting - the identity of the maker is displayed. It's the use of favourite tools in a specific satisfying way that results in a personal visual language. I've been doodling on a block of lino, a quick scribble with a pencil then cutting with my favourite little cheap chinese cutting tool. Last month I saw some stunning eighteenth century crewel embroidered hangings at Nunnington Hall in Yorkshire and I think they must have been in the back of my mind; first I cut the large leaves, then the little seed shapes, I filled the background with flowing lines letting the tool make the tapering shapes like a calligraphy pen.
I used the block to print Indian and Japanese coloured papers in pink, orange and indigo.
And this is why I needed printed papers - endpapers for some little books bound in
Sudbury Jacquard Silk. A good excuse for enjoying using my
Victorian Copy Press to press the covered book boards.
Those are beautiful. I remember carving like that at school. Mine never came close to yours. You are very talented.
ReplyDeleteCelia,
ReplyDeleteI love the leaf shapes of the lino block along with the flowing lines. The papers are beautiful. It brought a smile to my face to see your silk-covered books and follow the links to your older posts. I remember them both well ... it was good to see the Victorian flower press again!
I second Picklemum's comment - you are one talented artist!
Oops ... I was signed onto the wrong account with the comment above. It was me!!
ReplyDeleteThese papers and books are beautiful. I will have to scroll back in your posts to see how you use the press and put these together.
ReplyDeleteI love the lino block as an art object itself. It reminds me of William Morris designs. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteThe end papers are wonderful Celia, you are so talented. What gorgeous books they will be! Perfect presents for someone very special.
ReplyDeleteAll such beautiful colors!
ReplyDeleteYour carving is beautiful and the finished products are amazing.
ReplyDeleteSara from farmingfriends
Hi - thank you for all your kind comments
ReplyDeleteI think carving the block is my favourite stage of the printing process. But I also enjoyed using the lovely silk fabric to cover the book boards, and the copy press was perfect for pressing the endpapers perfectly flat.
Celia
As someone who has trouble doing stick figures, I can sit back and admire anyone who has a artistic flair. Well done.
ReplyDeletehello there! thanks for visiting my blog! what amazing lino work! that's so pretty, and i imagine it took forever! really beautiful! i love your squash too, such a great veg! yum!! i saw a few posts back you were at the ysp in yorkshire - i was there in august, near my home in yorkshire to see the goldsworthy exhibition, one of the greatest places on earth i do believe, and andy goldsworthy is truly an incredible mind and artist!
ReplyDeleteHi BBG - I've sneaked a quick look at your blog and it's a mine of useful info. You've certainly got a talent for gardening ideas.
ReplyDeleteHi Nà - The YSP should be more widely known - it's stunning. I think even people who claim not to like contemporary art seem to be touched by Andy Goldsworthy's work.
Celia
Hello again.. I would love love LOVE to learn lino print ..it seems a lot of my favourite bloggers live on the other side of the country from me ... there must be something in the air that makes you all so artistic and talented.
ReplyDeleteLoved looking at your lino cuts and your bound books.. made me want to return to my earlier career of bookbinding... sigh!