Section 1: Finished Artwork
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Title: Invisible Bliss
Size: 8.3 x 11.7 in.
Date of Completion: 2/10/24
Ideas: Using linocut print designs to portray a story from "The Little Prince"
Materials: Linocut print, Lino paint, and Ink pen
Processes: Cut out the design on a lino board to roll paint and print it onto paper. Then, include details using ink pens.
Section 2: Planning & Practice
I originally had an idea to use an original story to form a storybook-type print.
However, I decided I wanted to create a design that originated from a story that I enjoyed reading and included my interpretation of the story.
Since my design had clothing creases, I researched how cloth folds worked.
Section 3: Experimentation
I experimented first with the different ink colors and amounts of ink used when rolling. I noticed that with less ink, the print came out weak; however, the details were cleaner than the prints made with more ink.
I experimented by trying to cut out specific sections in different prints to combine together, ultimately creating one print.
The reason why the final product didn't use this technique was because the lines didn't align (due to the difference in paint thickness). The product looked crooked, so I decided to not cut the prints into small pieces.
Section 4: Process
There are several different designs of the little prince, however, I wanted to stay faithful to the original book's design of the little prince. But, I also took some inspiration from the movie too.
I had to decide what type of art style I wanted to work with. So I had to look through my past sketches. In the end, the simpler designs seemed fit for lino printing.
I created my design on my iPad and colored in the areas that would be colored when printing
After transferring the design onto the lino block, I began carving out the design (the non-colored areas)
For the bigger empty spaces, I was able to use the bigger carving tool to cut it out, but for the smaller areas (like the face), I used the smallest size.
After printing a couple on paper, I was able to indicate what areas I needed to carve down more. So I decided to carve it deeper within the block.
Section 5: Artist Statement
This piece is inspired by the novel "The Little Prince." My original idea was to capture a specific scene from the novel, however, I felt the idea seemed to fall flat and not be able to fully capture the aspects I enjoyed in the novel.
This novel was assigned as a French reading for my French class (so I read this book in French, which was the original language), but it was still able to emotionally affect me. This may seem silly, but I cried in the chapters where the little prince was crying, and I was happy when he was happy. Despite the language barrier, I was able to empathize with the character, "the little prince."
Therefore, I have thought of capturing the sad moments that have made me cry (some sketches of his 'death'). Yet, I didn't think it truly represented the novel. Hence, I thought, "What if I create a piece that captures his [the little prince's] happiest moments before his 'death'?"
I reread the novel and noted down the moments when he was the happiest:
His red rose
His planet where he came from (Planet B612)
The million stars
The fox he meets on earth
Those are the main parts of what I included in my artwork, but that is not all. Throughout the book, the fox is a crucial character who truly helps and guides the little prince. And in a way, the fox was his first friend. The fox mentioned how the little prince's hair reminded him of wheat. The fox also taught the little prince the true meaning of friendship. To do that, the fox taught the little prince the word, "apprivoiser." The direct translation is "to tame," but in the context of the book, it translates to "to become friends." The little prince values the friendship he made with the fox, even till his death. Hence, why I included the word, "Apprivoiser."
I often found myself struggling with the design. I wanted to be similar to the original's drawing, but also have an aspect of my style. I also had to keep in mind that this was on lino print, so I couldn't make the design too complicated. Thus I settled with a very simple, yet with some realistic elements (like the cloth folds).
But I am quite surprised how clean my carving resulted. As the face section had very tiny gaps, I was worried about how it would look on print. However, I'm relieved at the details I was able to capture. I wouldn't say it is my favorite project I created, yet I do believe I did the best within my capabilities.
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