This month we’re delighted to present a selection of reduction print projects by some of the talented members of our POP community. The reduction process is a method of block printing in which each colour layer is taken from the same block. As the print comes to life, more of the block’s surface is removed for each layer, and each colour is printed on top of the last. Our members have used this printing method to create prints that celebrate nature, reuniting with friends, and the celestial.
Dave Lefner: Hop Louie (Pagoda)
Hop Louie (Pagoda) is a recent reduction linocut depicting the iconic restaurant/bar located in Los Angeles’ Chinatown district by printmaker Dave Lefner. The building was built in 1941 and has a long history of being featured in movies and television. Dave created the print using seven colour stages of Cranfield Traditional Relief Ink (oil-based), printed on Rives BFK paper using his 60 in x 30 in Conrad Machine Co, hand-cranked, monotype press. The linoleum block measures 26 in by 19.5 in and is an edition of 8.
Mary Anne Molcan: Elan
As she worked on the five layers of this reduction print project, Mary Anne Molcan thought about “the fragile nature and delicate balances of life cycles and how these same characteristics also speak to resiliency”. She states; “Life captivates me with its duality and balanced interactions of competing and complementary forces”. As a result, the quiet details observed within this project dance with symbiotic synergy. Reversals were implemented to evoke curiosity and different ways of looking at similar shapes and imagery. “Throughout the process of creating this work, I felt a sense of peaceful purpose knowing I am a part of something truly extraordinary and ordinary at the same time,” concludes Mary Anne.
Margaret Mallows: Taiga, tiger
Taiga, tiger was inspired by Margaret Mallows’ daughter’s research into the Taiga regions. The reduction print was produced in 11 colours, printed over 9 passes. “I like the pops of colour introduced in the tiger’s coat using 2 rainbow rolls for the orange colours, and a rich purple for the final colour,” comments Margaret. Created using hand cut Japanese vinyl using Pfeil lino tools, and hand printed with Schmincke inks on 300 gsm Somerset satin, in an edition of 15 prints.
www.artfinder.com/margaret-mallows
Papillon Press: Ginkgo Reduction Print
Although Papillon Press specialises in letterpress, Madeleine, one of half of the studio, has started to get into hand-carving linoleum and wood for smaller editions of specialised prints. This ginkgo print was her first attempt at a reduction print, and she was “pretty pleased” with how it worked out. The print was carved using Pfeil and Flexcut chisels on Battleship Grey linoleum, and then printed on handmade Nepalese Lokta paper in an edition of 10. All colours were hand-mixed using Hanco Etching Inks.
Shelly Brown: Ladies Night
Illustrative printmaker Shelly Brown’s latest people filled print is a 6 layer reduction print, which she created leading up to lockdown restrictions being eased this year. The colourful piece looks at the things we have missed celebrating, together with our friends.
www.shellybrownillustration.com
Chrissy Emmerson: Prayer
Prayer is a 2 layer reduction cut in which Chrissy Emmerson experiments with light using just a few colours to add tone and movement. Drastically reducing the number of layers she usually prints a reduction cut with forced Chrissy to focus on ensuring each cut into the lino served a purpose.
Megan Tailford: Star Stinger
Star Stinger was inspired by space, creepy scorpions, and the beautiful pattern of Damascus steel. To begin the reduction print, Megan Tailford transferred the image to lino mounted on MDF using red carbon paper, ensuring that the outline and pattern wouldn’t fade between printing each layer. To make sure registration was as accurate as possible, she used tabs and an l-shaped piece of MDF. Each layer was printed with Cranfield Caligo easy-wash inks, using a tiny bit of blue and/or red ink mixed with opaque white, to get a range of pastel colours. Each layer was printed using Megan’s press, from the Portable Printing Press Co.
Check out all of our members’ profiles and the services they offer on our membership directory at www.members.peopleofprint.com. Want to join our leading community of printmakers and designers? APPLY HERE.
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