May’s print was a classic: a black ink on white paper linocut. Lots of texture, with light carved into the shadows. I know we’re deep into spring when the apple blossoms are in full bloom, so it felt fitting to create an apple blossom print. This is very much an OG printmaking style; intentionally imperfect, stark black ink, crisp lines.
A bit of an update on life and things around here. Maybe I have to go back to go forward.
When I began selling prints online, a print club seemed like a great avenue for me because I knew it would give me a deadline every month. It kept my wheels turning and my mind actively thinking about the next month’s print. That was a good thing.
But it also consumed a lot of mental energy.
I’m finding I have less capacity for a) making prints that I could potentially sell at a higher price point and/or keep in my shop indefinitely (print club prints have always been exclusive to subscribers and never make it to the shop), and b) other ideas, ventures, and even personal projects.
As a mum of two who works full-time outside of this passion project, I have very little mental space left at the end of the day. Perhaps you can relate! Anyway, maybe having a bit more space to dawdle (and not always have a deadline) is actually where the joy of creativity lives. The journey is the destination and all that.
All of this has been so new to me, and honestly, I’m happy to be growing through it. I can’t even call it a mistake. It was simply a great experience that’s no longer serving me.
Let me take a moment to thank my subscribers who have been with me from the beginning. So many of you joined in month one, and that turnout and support has meant the world to me. Thank you as well to everyone who continues to share my art along the way.
I hope you’ll actually end up seeing more from me online. Summer is here, and I’m deep into gardening, so don’t be surprised if a few prints emerge from that inspiration. I planted nasturtiums this year, so we’ll see how much I end up regretting it. They definitely have a tendency to take over. Their saucer-shaped leaves are iconic, though, and their flower petals are so vibrant. Do I foresee another reduction print?
I really enjoy these monthly blog updates, so please subscribe to my emails to receive them, and keep commenting if you can!
What will June bring for us? I dwell in possibility.
AC
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