By Astrid Lempriere
The printmaking technique called Lino Printing, which involves carving a design into a block of linoleum, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Today, lino printing is a popular form of printmaking that allows artists to create intricate, textured designs on paper and other surfaces.
Whether you’re a seasoned printmaker or a curious beginner, there’s something magical about the process of lino printing. From the moment you start carving your design into the block, to the first time you ink it up and pull a print, there’s an excitement and sense of anticipation that can’t be beat.
So what makes lino printing so special?
For one, it’s a low-tech, hands-on process that allows for a lot of creativity and experimentation. Unlike digital printing or other mechanical techniques, lino printing is entirely done by hand, which means you have a lot of control over the final outcome.
Another advantage of lino printing is its versatility and relatively low cost to get started. You can create anything from simple, bold designs to complex, detailed images. Whether you’re looking to create decorative stationery, unique artwork, or even your own custom t-shirts, lino printing can help you achieve your creative goals.
How did I get into Lino Printing?
In early 2020 people in Victoria, Australia went into their first Covid lock down and I received the first of my diagnosis, Autism.. which I had thought was a possibility due to having a lot in common with my two young children. I was Sad not because I had it and the hardships I saw for my kids with it, but I was sad that it had taking 39 years for me to finally start to understand myself and I had to do it all alone.
The positives of the pandemic and my new knowledge was that I decided to enroll in an art class for nothing other than fun. I had never allowed myself to spend such a large amount of time and money with out a career in mind. We did 3 tasters, one being Lino Printing. I wasn’t interested at all.
I knew what lino printing was, it was boring and ridged I thought. My first carving was very boring and unchallenging, but what I did like was the precise details I could get. The second carving I tried was a black and white photo of a friend and I.. then I did another and another.
I was hooked, I could carve images that looked like the subject which was something I couldn’t do with paint. I absolutely love carving portraits in black and white, they are so simple and striking. From the 6th artwork on wards I have been entering exhibitions. Large and small group and my first solo exhibition..2 commendations for emerging artist I’ve even judged my first Printmaker exhibition.
From as early as 15 I have been in and out of coaching, instructing and guiding kids and adults in different settings from white-water rafting guiding in Japan to screen printing with four-year olds in Canada. It was a natural progression to want to run workshops in Lino Printing.
I also started up an artist social group with a friend at a local gallery as I find that I do best in social situations when there is an element of structure and a shortish time frame, which both of the above have.
What have I got on the go this year?
A shared exhibition, I’m hoping to have about 12 artworks; lots of local art shows and competitions; and lots more lino printing workshops in some new locations.
The most challenging goal I have this year is the newsletter and website sales as being ADHD and dyslexic I find these two activities as much fun as eating sand. However they are important to me as I understand that this is the only way I will make art my full-time job.
If you like to check out my work online I am on Instagram @astrid.lempriere which is the easiest or my website www.astridlempriere.com.
Astrid Lempriere is a Geelong-based visual artist specializing in relief printmaking using linoleum, to produce works on paper. From a young age Astrid was captivated by black and white photographs finding that they allowed the subject to be stripped back to revel the raw beauty of their soul.
After making some interesting career choices and multiple worldly adventures, Astrid found her niche as an artist. Starting from a photograph Astrid spends hours carving away to reveal a mesmerizing interpretation of the photo. Last year Astrid has been in multiply group exhibitions, a solo exhibition, won 2 commendations and judged her first local print exhibition. Astrid enjoys sharing her skills via facilitating printmaking workshops, which follows on from running workshops in other art forms in the past.
Astrid is a single mother who has been diagnosed with autism, ADHD and dyslexia.
Beautiful work! Thanks for sharing!