Pictured above and below: Progress views of the lino block for May Flowers, 15 x 11.5 cm.
The tattoo motif is based on a fragment of an embroidery by May Morris, as are several of the works in this suite.The block looks rather like it has been coated with Mercurochrome; in fact, it’s a transparent red ink applied over the key drawing so I can see more clearly the areas I’ve cut away.
The ruled lines in the background won’t be carved exactly as they appear here. Their purpose is to try and keep me on the straight and narrow - literally - when I carve the lines freehand.
The completed linocut will be part of a forthcoming artist book, Illustrated Women. There will also be a small edition of each work in the series.
