Printmaking WITH SOFT CUT

A relief print, such as a linoleum cut, is created when the areas of the block that are to show the printed image are on the original surface; the parts of the block that are to be ink-free having been cut away. The printed surface is in relief from the cut away sections of the plate. Once the area around the image is cut away, the surface of the plate is rolled up with ink. Paper is laid over the block and then rubbed, transferring the ink from the surface of the block to the paper. For most artists, the nature of the relief process doesn’t allow for lots of detail, but does result in graphic images with strong contrasts.