INTRODUCTION

Dear reader,

We’re about to make something awesome together. In this book I’ll be sharing essential techniques and processes for creating visually captivating linoleum and rubber block prints. I’ve designed a series of projects to hone your skills and test your creativity, including some fun ways to salvage your mistakes and give mess ups a second life. This book is meant to inspire, encourage, and help you build the skill set you’ll need to bring every glorious idea you have to life.

Never picked up a carving tool before? No worries—this book is for you. Dabbled in printmaking in art class, and looking to take your work more seriously? This book is for you, too! In the following pages you’ll find useful information on everything from tools and materials to elements of a good composition. I’ll show you how to make some of your own studio supplies, such as simple inking plates and drying racks. Each printing project is designed to focus on a specific skill or skills—from basic textures to multi-block prints to rainbow rolls and everything in between. We’ll also meet a handful of printmakers from across the United States who graciously share their experience and secrets to help us along. No matter your own art history or skill level, there’s something for you here.

My own background as an artist is interdisciplinary: my roots are in classical drawing and painting from observation, and I found printmaking relatively late in my education. I treat sculpture like a creative palate cleanser, and love tweaking designs for woodworking projects. I practice embroidery as a form of stress relief. Each discipline informs the other. The painter has something to learn from the sculptor, just as the football player has something to learn from the ballet dancer. It is my dearest hope that you’ll be able to learn something from me.

And now it’s time! Test the weight of the carving tool in your hand and feel the tingling sensation of possibilities. Listen for the kiss of the brayer as it rolls out the ink. Let some choice swear words slip in tandem with your V-gouge (hey, it happens to all of us). Make plenty of mistakes, stab yourself once or twice, learn your lessons, and then revel in your first perfect print. Pull something into existence by the force of your own will. There’s magic to be made here.

Yours in inky solidarity,

Emily