‘Tumbling’ Lino Reduction Print of a Vivid Blue Wave Crashing in the Sunrise, Inspired by The Beadnell Coast

Tumbling is a celebration of the wild waves of the North Sea. A few months ago, I went to stay with family in Beadnell and we were greeted with Storm Babet. Some people may see this as a time to hide away and stay cosy but I’m not one of those people. Instead I went for a run, then collected my sketchbook and watercolours and headed out to explore. I sat on the rocks (at a safe distance) and watched the storm whipping up the sea into a frenzy of waves crashing their way towards the shore.

The Process

The print was created using the linocut reduction method, which means that I used one block that I carved more away from after each layer. Owing to the nature of this, the print can never be reprinted and that makes it extra special. It also means that any mistakes (i.e. carving too much) runs the whole thing so you have to be confident and careful with the process. There are 6 layers of oil based ink on archival grade paper meaning that the colours will sing for generations to come.

With this print, I wanted to inject additional colour. I love the blues, teals and silvers that I usually use but I wanted to enhance them by setting them off against complimentary backgrounds so in came the sunrise element bringing with it zesty oranges and yellows. If you look carefully at the final print, you’ll also see some lemon yellow in the sea splash, hinting at the leftover sunlight from the sunset behind.

The subtle texture of the cotton and wood pulp mix paper brings a mottled nature to each layer of ink creating additional light and a beautifully crafted quality to the surface of the work.

The intention with all of my work is to bring joy to your walls and for you to have something that you can pass on through future generations.

Details:

• 6 layers of oil based Cranfield Relief Ink on Fabriano Unica Paper

• 35 x 35cm print

• 40 x 40cm mounted

• Limited edition of only 10