Celestial Dog by Kristina Vasiljeva

In her linocut titled Celestial Dog, Lithuanian-born artist Kristina Vasiljeva turns to folklore as a source of both imagery and meaning. The print depicts a cosmic dog devouring the sun, a dramatic motif found in various mythological traditions. Set against a star-filled sky and framed with Baltic-inspired patterns, the piece draws on cultural memory while embracing the simplicity and boldness of black and white print.

Vasiljeva carved and hand-printed the work on Japanese washi paper, choosing a material that responds beautifully to pressure and ink. The print combines traditional lino carving with her own interpretation of myth, creating a tactile object that invites slow attention. Her interest lies not only in the story but in how storytelling transforms when filtered through craft. The act of carving becomes a quiet, meditative way of revisiting familiar tales and giving them new life.

“I was drawn to this motif because it feels both cosmic and intimate,” Vasiljeva says. “Folklore often holds these powerful images that explain the world through symbol. Printing them by hand makes the story feel rooted in touch and material.”

Throughout 2025, Vasiljeva has been expanding her skills in linoprinting. While she enjoys a range of printmaking methods, lino has become an important part of her practice because of its accessibility and hands on nature. She often carves and prints from her narrowboat, using a simple hand baren to transfer ink to paper. The limitations of black and white have become a welcome challenge, guiding the atmosphere of each work through contrast alone.

“I love the idea of shaping mood with only light and shadow,” she explains. “Working in black and white lets the story emerge through the cut lines. You can feel every mark in the final print.”

Celestial Dog functions as both an artwork and an exploration of cultural storytelling. The Baltic patterns that frame the image act as anchors to place and heritage, while the celestial motif shifts the piece into the realm of myth. The tension between the earthly and the cosmic gives the print its strength, merging tradition with personal interpretation.

Vasiljeva’s broader practice focuses on detailed imagery, meditative techniques and the tactile qualities of craft. Whether working in printmaking or other traditional methods, she gravitates toward processes that foreground touch, time and deliberate mark making. Her work has a quiet intensity, shaped by patience and a deep respect for handmade techniques.

Artist links
Instagram
Shop