I have been playing and developing an lino-cut for one journal piece about Syria. The woodblock stamp is one I found in the Azem Palace in Damascus and which I was allowed to photograph for a little baksheesh. There was a whole collection of woodblock stamps in the textile area of the palace- where cloth for palace use was woven and printed. This wood block was my favourite for its very formal symmetry. I drew the motif onto paper and then scanned it into my computer and used the paintpot fill function to create the positive/negative image. I sometimes do this to work out balance. I then collaged it in Picasa. I have now made the lino-cut and printed the fabric but I can't upload any more photos so you will have to wait until tomorrow.
That's gorgeous! Can't wait to see the fabric you've printed with it. The design reminds me of encaustic floor tiles in Victorian 'Gothic' churches - very Pugin! I always find cutting the lino blocks very soothing and satisfying (as they're not something you can do in a haphazard and unthinking way) - hope you found a moment of calm when you were doing these.
ReplyDeleteAll the best
Celia