How do artists create social commentary through use of juxtaposition and the art of printmaking?

Materials Needed
  • 9 x 13 in. Linocut sheet
  • 9 x 13 in. Vellum tracing paper
  • B - 6B drawing pencil
  • Ballpoint pen or sharpie
  • Linocut cutter tool
  • inking plate
  • Brayer
  • Baren
  • printmaking ink
  • ink palette knife
Procedure
  1. Take a photograph of yourself or a friend as the figurative subject, or find a photo from your own photo archive.
  2. Trace or draw the figure on vellum tracing paper with "B" or softer pencil.
  3. Add to the drawing by creating an environment or other visual information that pertains to the social issue you're interested in.  Create juxtaposition or hybridity within your composition to enhance your message.  Use your small 2x2 inch block image as part of the juxtaposition in your composition.
  4. Flip your drawing upside down onto your Linocut block.  Rub with your finger to transfer the image.
  5. Using the Linocut cutting tool, begin the linocut process of "shaving" the areas you'd like to leave white.  The areas that are "left untouched" will hold the ink and will be the printed image.
  6. When ready to print, using the inking plate, palette knife, ink and Brayer, roll a fine layer of ink over your printing block. 
  7. Print your image - rub the paper over the printing block with the Baren.

Elizabeth Catlett