Fence, Cross Lane

 

Fence, Cross Lane
reduction linocut by Teresa Newham

Wherever there's a field, there's a fence; and that goes for the second of the two linocuts I'm about to send off to the Awagami International Print Exhibition in Japan. I had to race to meet the deadline for this second print, as I wanted it to be completely dry before I put it in the post (you can see the first print here).

test printing on paper from my Hosho pad
© Teresa Newham

The second print did not turn out as I had originally envisaged. As soon as I began to make test prints of the first layers, I was captivated by the way the fence and foliage seemed to emerge, almost of their own accord - so much so, that I started to take photos with a view to making a timelapse video.

mixing greens
© Teresa Newham

As the print took on a life of its own, I discarded my initial plans and took decisions based on the results of the previous print session.  I partially inked each layer and wiped some of the colour away, to avoid over-inking.  The centre of the print took on a sort of glow, which I was keen to keep if I possibly could.

keeping track of complicated lino blocks
© Teresa Newham

I was terrified I might cut away the wrong bits of lino, and the more I cut away, the more difficult it was to keep track. The inking, too, became tricky - by the time I printed the berries and the final branches, I was using my entire work bench, two ink trays and a variety of rollers - some for rolling out the ink and others for applying it.

inking the final layer
© Teresa Newham

It was a relief to finally get the print finished; it has taken me on a journey which I had not expected but which I have thoroughly enjoyed.  I made the video too - you can see it here on my YouTube channel!

the finished print on Awagami Hosho 80gsm
© Teresa Newham