LIBRARY JOURNAL Printmaker Spink introduces readers to linocut printing, which involves carving designs onto linoleum blocks. In the introduction, Spink gives a short history of this type of printmaking, praises its simplicity and versatility, and discusses its affordability. The book provides a list of required materials--cutting and print surfaces, ink brayers, and more--and explains what each one does, the pros and cons of different options, their ease of use, and the quality of their finished products. Spink also gives beginners advice for scaling up tools once they have gained experience, troubleshooting tips, and encouragement. The 10 printmaking projects emphasize the juxtaposition of light and dark design elements, and they progress from simple shapes to more detailed, complex compositions, guiding readers through the steps to manipulate photos to linocut and identify shadows and highlights. The book offers templates, but readers can choose a photograph or sketch of their own to use as a reference image. VERDICT Accessible and eminently practical, this is an essential guide to linocut printing. What makes this book's projects and directions exemplary is the freedom it gives beginners to personalize and choose their subject matter.
Pressing Matters - March 2024 Spurred on by the global climate crisis, printmaker Jane Spink feels increasingly motivated to make art that will help raise awareness and re-connect people to the nature that we all share the planet with. And having worked as a freelance textile and graphic designer for nearly 20 years, followed by 16 years teaching art in schools, she's well placed to bring this new linocut 'how to' guide into the world. Based on artwork created under the moniker Inky Dog Studio, Nature Imprinted is a great resource for anyone looking to get into the craft of linocut. All Things Paper - June 2024 Would you like to learn linocut printing from an expert? Search Press has just the book for you! In Nature Imprinted, UK artist and author Jane Spink shepherds readers through the process of creating linocut blocks, and details how to use them to make lovely prints that reflect the beauty of the natural world. You'll learn to carve birds, flowers, leaves and more while building your skill set with each project. As Jane declares in the book's opening, I will never stop being amazed at the potential this process offers to create new ideas. From strong, simple and graphic, to the capacity for achieving the finest details, linocut printing is a wonderful technique for creating many, many different styles of artwork. She says you don't need to spend a lot to get started and suggests purchasing a simple kit.
that's always welcome news when trying a new hobby. I found it interesting to read about the tools, inks and papers, and how to handle them. For example, pressing tools range from a simple wooden spoon to book presses, or printing and etching presses that can cost up to a hundred thousand dollars! Techniques are presented one by one and there is also a handy troubleshooting section. A template is included for each design. By the way, prints don't have to be black and white.vivid colors can be used too. Enjoy a flipthrough video on the book's Amazon page where there are already 26 verified reviews. Each one is 5 stars - it doesn't get much better than that! Also, check out Jane Spink's website, Inky Dog Studio, and her very popular Instagram feed.
she is @inkydogstudio.