En Pointe Series 

Uli Symbols: Unknown meanings

13 3/4" x 10 3/4" 

Hand Printed Linocut with Water-Based Ink on Thin Rice Paper

2024

The Process | This series was created from a carved linoleum block and printed by hand with water-based ink on rice paper to proof the design. The AP stands for artist proof. Water-based ink was rolled onto the print plate, the rice paper was placed on the linoleum plate, and rubbed with a baren. 

Rice Papers are not actually made using rice or even rice plant fibers! The term "rice paper" comes from the translucent nature of the papers themselves; the paper has a translucency that is similar to a grain of rice. This paper was made from the white inner bark of the paper mulberry tree; Broussonetia papyrifera.

Each pulled print has 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