There’s a certain tangibility to the word “maker.” It’s one thing to think creatively but entirely different to bring something into existence. My background is in graphic design, but printmaking is one of my favorite methods of making. I’ve been a printmaker for about five years. What started as a single college project turned into an internship at a letterpress print shop, which evolved into a small business, where I make my own prints.
Inspired by the makers featured in this month’s issue, I endeavored to capture their creative spirit by creating a linocut print for this month’s cover. A linocut or lino print is a type of block printing derived from woodblock printing. Creating a lino print is a process-heavy and tactile way of making art. Like many makers in the following pages, most of my creative process is done by hand.
I begin most of my prints (including the cover print) by hand sketching a design and finalizing it on the computer. I then print and use acetone or wintergreen oil to transfer the image to a linoleum block. Then begins my favorite part of the process—carving. Toward the end of the carving stage, I use black ink and newsprint to ink the block and create a test print. The test print helps me see if I need to continue chipping away or if it’s ready for a color print.
For the cover print, I cut the carved linoleum block into three pieces. This allowed me to print all three colors simultaneously instead of printing three separate layers. I created multiple variations of this print, differing in color and paper substrate. By considering the ink coverage and color palettes, the print was selected. Finally, I photographed the final print for the cover image.
The reason I keep returning to printmaking as an artistic medium is the tangible process and the final result. Printing by hand is a gratifying experience because so many variables can change with each print, making it an exciting process. Colors, ink application, and paper textures may vary from one print to the next. Each print is unique, much like the many makers living and working in Greenville.
Making is not limited to the arts. There are innumerable ways to be creative, from the fine artistry of stained glass to the airy goodness of TUFT cotton candy to the ingenuity of ReAcoustic. Each of these makers took an idea and made it into a tangible reality. As you read each unique story, you’ll see a wide range of creativity in this month’s issue.
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