Nature Imprinted
A complete guide to lino printing with 10 nature-inspired designs
Jane Spink
Search Press
Spink guides us through the process of lino printing so well that there is no need to visit a studio to learn in person. There are ten projects, each built with developing instructions. Some are easier than another.
I enjoyed the guidance early on (located around page 40) on textures to print upon. As a textile artist who uses mixed media, I have explored this technique, yet was always taught that I needed to use clean white dust free paper, to hold the inky matter. Yet this author tells us we can use grainy papers and handmade ones, which I see as making the work more charecter driven and personal. Having had experience in practice, I know it can be harder to achieve a “clean print”, but is this our goal anyway?
If you get stuck, there is always the troubleshooting pages at the end.
The book also ties in with our modern times and suggests things I know I will be taking on board for my own practice. For example on page 69 she discusses designing digitally. She recommends certain software which can be used on ones’ phone. I will be researching this for certain.
Of course, lets not forget the real projects described in this book.
Is it simply for those who like to make prints?
Is it only for those who like the theme of nature?
No.
As mentioned, as a textile artist who yes works with mixed media, I will be using this book just like I would any valuable art book. It transcends its genre.