Relief printmaking is a technique that transfers an image from the raised surface of a block, typically wood or linoleum. The artist rolls ink onto the block surface in a thin layer, places paper or fabric on the block, and moves the block through a press to transfer the image.

 

A multiblock print is made by printing several wood or linoleum blocks on the surface to create a final image with multiple colors.

 

Reduction printmaking is a relief method that uses a single block to sequentially apply layers of color and create a final image. In this process, the artist inks and prints the surface of the block. Then the artist carves from the block everything that is to remain the color just printed, essentially creating a window for that color to show through when the next layer is applied. The artist then inks, prints, and carves the next layer. Jaclyn repeats this sequence on average 6 times, allowing the ink to dry after each layer. The block is destroyed in the process, and the print cannot be reproduced beyond the number of prints in the edition.

 

What are the numbers on the print?

Every print is part of an edition. In the lower left corner of the print, there are two numbers listed. The number after the slash is the total number of prints in the edition. The number before the slash indicates the number of that individual print in the edition. “EV” means edition variant, or a print in an edition that intentionally varies in color or number of layers.

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For more information about printmaking, please see here.