Join me on a step-by-step exploration of the making of “Juli,” a testament to patience, precision, and the beauty of bringing an image to life on paper.
1. From Release Paper to Linoleum:
Printing the image onto release paper using a laserjet is the first step, setting the stage for the transformation that will take place. This initial transfer is a delicate dance between technology and traditional craftsmanship, where the digital meets the tangible.
2. Gluing the Image onto Linoleum
Through a meticulous process, the image is carefully glued onto the linoleum surface. This step is not just about physical adherence but a symbolic fusion of the digital and analog worlds. The linoleum becomes a canvas, patiently awaiting the next phase of its transformation.
3. Removing Paper and Tracing the Image
After allowing the glue to set and the image to marry the linoleum, it’s time for the unveiling. The release paper is delicately peeled away, revealing the transferred image on the linoleum surface. Armed with a pen, I begin to trace the image, reinforcing crucial lines and details that will guide the subsequent carving process.
4. The Carving
Armed with a sharp gauge, the artist patiently carves into the linoleum, bringing the image to life through the careful removal of material. Every stroke is a decision, every cut a commitment to the final result. The details are given extra attention, ensuring that each nuance of the image is faithfully translated onto the linoleum canvas.
5. Ready to Print
As the linoleum takes on the appearance of a finely crafted stamp, it signals the readiness to print. The carved surface is rolled with ink, and the linocut is pressed onto paper, transferring the intricate design from linoleum to a tangible medium. This moment is the culmination of the initial vision – a tangible representation of the artistic journey that started with a digital image.
