ErolinStudios
'Leaf Insect'
'Leaf Insect' is a single colour linocut, printed onto 140gsm Nepalese Lokta paper. This is the giant malaysian leaf insect (Pulchriphyllium giganteum) of which I have four juveniles as pets. You can see them checking out my drawing below!
Like many of my prints the first stage in creating this print was to draw out the design. Luckily I keep these lovely insects as pets so was able to work from a photograph of one of my own. I use 'proportional dividers' (see image to left) to accurately scale up photographs and specimens.
Once happy with the drawing its time to transfer it on to the lino. I use the 'carbon transfer method' whereby I trace over the image in pencil and then turn this over and rub the back (either with a pencil or 'bone folder') to transfer the graphite to the lino surface. I then trace this with a permanent fine liner to make the lines clearer.
When I remember I also lightly sand the lino and stain with watered down acrylic paint (before transferring the image). The sanding helps the ink stick to the lino better and the staining helps the carved areas to stand out more.
And here is the finished print. Printed on 140gsm acid free Lokta paper with Cranfield Caligo safe wash oil-based ink. This paper is handmade and has a lovel texture.
This will eventually be a limited edition of 25 prints.
Paper size: (Aprox) 33 x 25cm
