20-11-12 : Visuals for linocuts

Today involved making visuals for some lino cuts... trés bien!

I may have gotten a tad confused today, since our visuals should have influence from three artists: Andy Warhol, Tracey Emin and Keith Haring.. but they should be unique AND be developed from our prints we did last week. This was challenging for me since my prints were basically copies of Haring's work.. oops! 

Sooo after a think about how I could make them unique whilst still being developed work, I decided to take the basic imagery from Haring's work and create my own design of these with influences from Warhol and Emin. Confusing you yet? I thought so. Maybe these photos of my visuals will help... or maybe not but this is about all I can give you.

Ta da! .. Yes I agree they are a bit rushed, but I wasn't sure if I was doing the right thing or not so definitely going to ask next time because yeah I could have definitely done better; however I think I managed to successfully channel the influence of Warhol and Emin into these.. (at least I know I did that right!)

After this, I chose my favourite, which was the first visual, and did 6 thumbnails of it zoomed in at random points to create different patterns and abstract imagery. Here they are: 

I quite like these actually, they look quite abstract and stylized. Next step was to pick one and transfer it onto lino, then begin cutting. I chose the top-right hand design (as seen above.) It was difficult to get the same angles when sketching on the lino but I got there eventually. I started cutting the design out so I will finish next time. 

Here is how to lino-cut for anyone wondering: 

1: sketch a design onto lino (if it is your first time then use simple and angular lines.)

2: Put the lino onto a wooden block ready for cutting.

3: Select the right sized gouge. (wide scoops for thick lines and pointed ends for fine detail.)

4: Dig into the lino with your gouge (CUT AWAY from yourself!) 

5: Begin cutting along your design, try and cut within the same level so it is as even as possible when you want to print. 

6: Be confident... Once it's gone, it's gone!