MANDYLION PRESS
Linocut prints in the Byzantine Christian style
Inspired by the rich visual traditions and theology of Eastern Christianity, each print has been made by hand with the intention of inspiring devotion, aiding in spiritual growth, and conveying the divine presence in an affordable and approachable way. In the spirit of iconographers of the Eastern lung of the Church, the repetitive and deliberate nature of carving a linoleum block becomes a form of prayer in itself.
In contrast to often costly hand-painted icons, the artist has opted for linocut printmaking, a mass-media technique that allows for the creation of multiple, affordable copies of each design.
Linocut prints are made by carving a design into a piece of linoleum. Since the final print will be a mirror image of the carved block, the artist must draw the design in reverse on the linoleum block. Using sharp carving tools, the artist then carefully carves pieces of the linoleum from the non-marked areas, leaving behind a raised surface. Ink is then applied to the raised surface using a roller. Next, a sheet of paper is carefully laid over the inked block, and gentle pressure is applied, either by hand or through a press. The process can be repeated multiple times to produce a limited edition series of prints, with each one displaying the artist's craftsmanship and vision.
