Process

How Linocut Prints Are Made

The key to the method of making an original print lies in the creation of a master design on a suitable medium, which can be inked and printed to produce a limited quantity of identical images or impressions.  The artist/printmaker authenticates the impression by signing and giving each print a number.  Thus the term, signed edition by the artist.

David Conn’s linocuts are created by removing about 1/8 inch of the surface of a piece of linoleum using one carving tool.  This leaves a raised part that will be printed.  A fairly stiff ink is applied to this matrix surface with a roller.  The paper is laid upon the printing surface, then light pressure is exerted, using a mechanical press.  The resulting image reverses what is visible on the block.  The child’s potato print and a humble rubber stamp are forms of relief printing.