MULE TRAIL (2002)Linocut
by David Conn

This linocut print is from northern New Mexico. From the lower valley, visitors, day trips even over nighters, folks from the city, experience the mountains paths and trails set by early explorers and traders. There are dude ranches that provide this type of experience. From day fishing trips that include a tailgate lunch to three day overnight stays up in the mountain valleys.

I could hear them long before seeing them, clamoring, chatting as they sat gently swaying high in the saddle. In front was a wrangler. Not the Hollywood version, but one with a well-worn, sun bleached shirt and salt stained hat. He wore real leather chaps, a deep lined, sun baked face and strong vice like grips for hands. Tethered behind was a small horse and an even smaller boy, followed by mom, dad and a teenaged girl. At the rear of this column was the second wrangler, younger with a dispassionate look of boredom. Tied behind him was a pack mule laden down with clanging cookware and assorted camping supplies. They were headed as I was to the corral in the upper valley. The trail was very narrow so I moved up the bank while the horses did what horses naturally do. The young girl sadly said, “I’m so sorry.” I smiled and touched my hand to my heart. After they passed I stepped back on the path and took the photograph from which I carved the block, Mule Trail.

This print is in the permanent collection of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth, Texas.

Materials used:

Daniel Smith Traditional Black Relief Ink on Zerkall Book Smooth Cream over Somerset Satin White 250gm

Details:

• Linocut on Paper
• From a limited edition of 50
• Size: 38.1 x 55.88 x 2.54cm (unframed) / 20.32 x 27.94cm (actual image size)
• Signed and numbered on the front
• Style: Photorealistic
• Subject: Landscapes, sea and sky

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