People are always curious about how a print is made so I will share a short overview of the process. The most basic element of “relief” printmaking is the printing block which is simply made up of a 1/8TH inch layer of linoleum, glued to a plank of wood. It is the linoleum surface that can be tooled in any imaginable way to create an interesting texture. The block is carved, scratched, gouged or worn away to develop an image.

A wide variety of different effects can be achieved in printmaking, but with the method I use most often, each color usually requires a separate block and for me that means producing between six and eight blocks. For this technique, multiple blocks are used, but with few exceptions printmaking produces a mirror image so the blocks must be hand carved in reverse.
To print an image, an ink roller is used to coat the surface of the carved block, onto which a sheet of archival paper is positioned precisely, then cranked firmly between the rollers of the printing press. The paper is then pealed from the block to reveal an impression.

My compositions consist of between 20 and 35 identical images in a group, or “edition.” To complete an edition this series of six to eight blocks are printed in a designated order and each piece of paper in the edition is printed by every block in the series.

I enjoy all the phases of creating an image by keeping my editions small and printing all the images myself, I can insure that from conception of the idea to the final run that the prints are traditionally handmade, archival and personal.

I love the process of linoleum block printing. The carved surface produces an image with unique clarity that distinguishes it from other mediums. The materials and techniques lend themselves so the artist might share an idea through intimate groups of multiple images. The beauty of hand printing these small editions is that an original idea can be much more available than a single piece while still retaining excellent value. A fascination with oceanic and water related themes and my love of linoleum block printing is where I draw inspiration for these prints.