Linocut Printing: Creating Art with Stephen Alcorn

What is Stephen Alcorn's print "La Sabina Mitologica"?

Stephen Alcorn's print "La Sabina Mitologica" is a linocut, made by cutting a piece of linoleum.

How is a linocut print like "La Sabina Mitologica" created?

How does the linocut technique work?

Answer

A linocut is a printmaking technique where an image is created by carving into a piece of linoleum, typically using gouges or carving tools. The linoleum is a soft, rubbery material that allows for relatively easy cutting and shaping.

To create a linocut print like "La Sabina Mitologica," Stephen Alcorn would have started with a flat sheet or block of linoleum. Using carving tools, he would have selectively removed areas of the linoleum, cutting away the parts that are intended to remain blank or non-printing. The areas left untouched would represent the image to be printed.

After carving the linoleum block, ink is applied to the surface using a roller or brayer. The ink adheres to the raised portions of the block, which are the remaining uncarved areas representing the image. Then, a piece of paper or other suitable printing material is placed on top of the inked block, and pressure is applied, typically using a printing press or by hand, to transfer the ink from the block onto the paper. This process creates the final printed image.

The linocut technique offers a distinctive aesthetic characterized by bold lines, textures, and graphic contrasts. It allows artists like Stephen Alcorn to create unique and expressive prints with a rich visual impact.