Linocut print (framed).16x16"Limited edition 9 of 100.Glendale Fox Susan Munderich, 2022 Pickering, Ontario Linocut Cranfield Oil-Based Ink on Legion Paper Print 10" x 10' Paper 12" x 12" This print combines two consecutive nature journals from June 2021: a fox rounding the corner of our garage with a rabbit in its mouth, and a gorgeous swallowtail roosting on the peony bush in our Pickering, Ontario garden. Foxgloves, poppies and roses that were also in bloom have been incorporated into the design. I had seen the fox earlier in the morning, setting off on what seemed to be its usual route, but had not expected it to reappear a few hours later wielding a freshly-caught meal. It was equally surprised by my proximity, startled to find me looking through my kitchen window only a few feet away, and promptly bounded through the garden, eventually disappearing down the street. Not yet having recovered from the excitement of this encounter, I was confronted with a stunning eastern swallowtail the very next morning. Although I am very pleased with the final result, this print was especially challenging at every stage. Configuring the various components to achieve sufficient tension, while maintaining a focal point, required a lengthy series of sketches and drafts. Once the final design was complete, a great deal of experimentation was invested in different carving techniques and approaches, so as to leverage the potential of the positive and negative space, and to realize specific textures. After the initial test print, further adjustments were required to regulate the balance and define each zone, until I was finally satisfied with the overall composition and finer detail. Working from my nature journals reinforces how fortunate I am to be surrounded by greenspaces and wildlife in my daily existence, and provides me the opportunity to celebrate nature’s resilience when faced with urban challenges. The 10” x 10” block was carved with Pfeil and Speedball tools, and the edition of 100 is printed by hand with a baren in Cranfield oil-based ink on 12” x 12” Legion paper.
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