Artwork description:

This print is one of a series of old people character studies produced as a linocut.

A lived in face is an interesting face. But of equal importance to me is the amount of information it provides to carve - texture, lines, depth and contrast that allows a lot of mark making in the creation of the final piece. A mix of contours and colour that resolve into a recognisable form.

I title myself as brysky_imperfect_prints

Why is this print imperfect?

- Layers are often ever so slightly misaligned, and the degree varies across the finished prints in an edition. I make my own registration devices, as it is all part of the process. I also cut down the lino plates from larger sheets for economy reasons and they are never truly square.
- In places there are suck marks in the ink - raised areas of ink deposit created when the plate is pulled from the paper.
- There are small elements of chatter, areas where the carved areas unintentionally pick up ink or emboss the paper.
- The prints are made using a multi block technique. No attempt is made to create a key block to offset information to other blocks. Rather each block is cut simultaneously with each carrying information important to the final print so (in my hands at least) never align perfectly.
-The chosen paper is strong but delicate and there are some minor handling creases to some prints incurred when pulling the paper from the block.

However all of the above is to be embraced in realising the intended outcome of the print (obviously the viewer is the final judge of that!) I have absolved myself from the pursuit of perfection, as for me that is the point.
-There is texture to the raised ink.
-The chatter and embossing hints at the process of making the print.
-They are a handmade thing. The lino blocks are carved, inked and pressed onto Hosho paper using a hand lever style press.

Each print is made up of 3 layers and there are generally 5 in an edition. The editions are variable as there are numerous of colour combinations. Interestingly, I think that individual faces respond in different ways - some better, some worse - to the changes of colour. But again, the viewer will have their own opinion on that.

They are signed and numbered on the front, and with a whiff of pretension, a final stamp of authenticity.

The most accurate representation of the colours is within the close up detail shots.

Materials used:

Carved grey lino block relief print. Multi block. Three layers. Oil based Safe wash relief ink on Hosho

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