Signs of Life by Lori Biwer-Stewart
This is an original linocut by Lori Biwer-Stewart of Osage, Iowa.
"Signs of Life" is an original linocut print created and hand pulled in my studio on heavy weight Stonehenge printmaking paper. Each is hand painted with lightfast inks, so each print may vary slightly.
In Iowa there are plenty of quiet snowy days. This winter landscape is full of life in the movement of life in the late afternoon sky and signs of life in the fresh snow. This piece is rustic and full of movement and texture.
I used 2 plates to create this print. The first plate was made using modeling paste creating textures and printed in an orange-pink ink, the second plate is the linocut of the trees and birds. I split the plate and printed the tracks is a very light grey.
Image size: 16" x 11"
Edition size: 25
Unframed piece is mounted on a piece of archival foamboard and packaged in a plastic sleeve.
Signed and titled in pencil below the print.
Linocut is a type of relief print. Relief printing is a technique where a piece of paper is “stamped” by the top surface of the plate painted in ink. A design is cut into the linoleum surface with a sharp knife and chisels.
My education is in graphic design and that has been a big advantage to me as an artist. Knowing how to compose an image so it has movement and a focal point is really important.
I discovered printmaking over 15 years ago and believe it’s the perfect medium for me. Everything I know about printmaking is self taught and learned by taking classes, talking with other printmakers, reading books or just experimenting with materials.
The process of Linocut printmaking is very therapeutic for me. I’ve found that I’m able to communicate much better through images than words and the actual process of any kind of art focuses my mind like nothing else can. I’m generally a very quiet person who is more than happy to sit and sketch or just observe things that go on around me.
I love the flowing lines and the movement of linocut printmaking. Although I begin each work with a very rough sketch, I choose to let the subject evolve as I cut, so the artwork is in a continuous state of change.
My focus is on the human figure; the sharp contrast of linocut adds strength to the bold images of the subjects. The addition of symbolic elements such as birds, keys and doors encourage the viewer to really study the piece and apply their own personal experiences and connections.
As my work evolves I find myself using more color - sometimes covering the work as a whole, other times adding color elements only elements to lead the eye to key areas in the piece.
My work has a strong, authentic voice that makes an honest statement about how we look at ourselves, and interact with others and our environment.
Find more of Lori's work here.
