En Pointe Series 

Uli Symbols: Unknown meanings

13 3/4" x 10 3/4" 

Linocut with Water-Based Ink on Strathmore Bristol 100 lb Paper

2024

The Process | This series was created from a carved linoleum block and printed by hand with water-based ink on paper. The Bristol paper was soaked in water with the excess blotted off. Water-based ink was rolled onto the print plate, the blotted Bristol was placed on the inked plate, and rubbed with a baren and a roller. Each pulled print had unique imperfections that add to the overall design.

The Why | I wanted to be a ballerina when I was a child but never pursued it. I admired their strength, beauty, and grace as they passionately danced. To perform a dance en pointe is a French dance term that describes the steps of ballet that involve dancing on the toes and takes a great deal of practice.

The Igbo people of Eastern Nigeria create Uli body and wall painting designs. I love the graphic, expressive yet detailed look of these designs. There are similarities in their use of simple lines and shapes but each Uli design is unique individually. I need to do more research to find the meaning of them but this is not stopping me from incorporating them into my artwork. They just look so cool!

No mat 

No frame