E is for Eel

Recently I’ve been working on an intricate eel lino print. I started working on this in September last year and it sat in the sketchbook for quite some time before it finally made it onto the block a earlier this year. It has been an interesting project so far. I have been recording the process of making it so I wanted to share some insights with you.

Original sketch, unfinished.

Original sketch, finished

I used a new transfer method to get the design onto the block. I printed the image onto a sticker backing sheet and laid the wet ink onto the block. It wasn't perfect but it allowed me to get things pretty accurately from sketch to block. I've been advised that a photocopy transfers easily with acetone so I will try this next time.

Detail from original sketch

Getting the eye right is important and takes several tried sometimes.

Lino Block partially carved

I began by carving the background and plants. Although this part was intricate I knew exactly what I wanted to remove.

Detail of lino block partially carved, eel's head

I used a U-shaped knife like a punch to remove the circular bubbles.

Detail of lino block partially carved, eel's tail

A U-shaped knive makes a very even outline for the edge of the design.

Test print number 1

Before carving the details of the eels body I took a test print to see how it looked as it was.

Test print number 2

I took test prints after carving out a little detail and decided whether to add more or not. At one point I really wasn't happy but I took a leap of faith and kept going.

Prints drying

For the final print I used Cranford Caligo Safe wash in black. This one can't be beaten for getting pure blacks alongside fine details so was perfect for this print. I used Japanese Kitakata paper in a warm buff colour to print onto. It was a perfectly smooth surface and absorbs the ink beautifully.

The Eel coils elegantly in the shape of a lower case letter “E”. Lurking at the bottom of the pond the eel looks as if it has just seen a tasty morsel and is getting ready to strike while the gently rippling water weed and bubbles bring the watery depths to life.

“E is for Eel” Lino print on Japanese Kitakata paper by Lizzie Ault