Habitat 150x110cm

The lino block measures 140 x 94 cm and took about 6 weeks to complete the cutting. It is inspired by nature, with its incredibly intricate branches and roots.

This print is part of a limited edition of 30, each handprinted without a press using my iconic glass jar. The first print took 2 hours, including paper trimming, double inking, and hand pressing.

The intertwined roots and branches were a challenging yet exciting process! I can honestly say that this is definitely my natural habitat.

'Habitat' has been awarded BA Print Prize during 119th Annual open Exhibition of the Bath Society of Artist in Vitoria Art Gallery in Bath, 2024.

Habitat is a monumental linocut that delves into the raw, intricate beauty of entangled ecosystems. This striking composition is the culmination of six weeks of meticulous carving, brought to life through a traditional handprinting process that requires no press. The scale, detail, and complexity of this work reflect not only a deep reverence for nature but also the physicality and endurance of the artist’s process.

The piece resonates with the spirit of 19th-century Romanticism, particularly its emphasis on nature’s sublime and untamed power. It recalls the chaotic yet balanced compositions of John Ruskin’s detailed nature studies and the expressive, intertwined forms seen in Albrecht Dürer’s woodcuts. Furthermore, Habitat shares a lineage with Japanese woodblock prints, especially the intricate patterns of Hokusai, where natural forms often seem alive and in motion.

At the same time, Habitat incorporates the structured elegance of Art Nouveau, with its emphasis on organic, flowing lines and the interconnectedness of natural forms. The chaotic layering of branches and roots speaks to the complexity of ecosystems, a theme central to both historical landscape art and contemporary environmental concerns.

At its core, Habitat is an exploration of nature’s duality: order and chaos, growth and decay, strength and fragility. The dense network of twisting branches and roots creates a sense of both entrapment and sanctuary, echoing the ways humans coexist with and rely upon their environments. The stark contrast of black and white not only highlights the intricacy of the carving but also evokes the cyclical nature of life—where light and shadow, life and death, continually coexist.

The title, Habitat, invites the viewer to consider their role within this web of life. It is not merely a depiction of nature but a reminder of humanity’s place within it—a call to reconnect with the fragile ecosystems that sustain us. The scale of the work engulfs the viewer, drawing them into its intricate details and encouraging a meditative engagement with the natural world.

Handprinting a piece of this magnitude without a press is a feat of endurance and dedication. The process amplifies the tactile, handmade quality of the work, making each print unique and deeply personal. Every line, every groove carved into the lino reflects the physicality of the artist’s labor and their intimate connection with the medium.

Habitat is more than a print; it is a living, breathing testament to the complexity and resilience of the natural world. Rooted in art history yet firmly contemporary in its execution and message, this piece bridges the past and present. Its meditative, intricate quality invites viewers to slow down, reflect, and immerse themselves in the profound beauty of nature’s design.

A limited edition of Habitat ensures that each print carries a unique energy, making it a centerpiece for any collection that values craftsmanship, meaning, and a deep connection to the natural world.