Toulouse-based linocut printmaker Stfacat Print’s latest print is Folklore Instinct; an engraving inspired by traditional art and nature, but with Stfacat’s signature dark twist. The piece incorporates imagery of a wolf in order to show this darker side of nature. “In Native American culture, the wolf as a totem animal symbolizes instinct, intelligence, independence and the thirst for freedom. While in other cultures, it represents danger as well as fear due to lack of self-confidence,” explains the printmaker.
Folklore Instinct was created to work in 3 parts which could be printed in 3 colours. She made the block in one go using her Pfiel gouges, first engraving the wolf, then the foliage background, and finally the border. It was then necessary to separate the 3 parts; “it seemed dangerous to me but it was quite easy in the end. I cut out each part with a scalpel”. With her 3 interlocking blocks, Stephanie could then print each part in a different colour.
She chose a dark red for the folk-inspired border, an almond green that draws towards turquoise for the foliage, and then a graphic black for the wolf, all representing her theme and signature and style. To bring the print to life Stephanie used Charbonnel’s aqua wash intaglio inks on a beautiful sand-colored Nepalese Lokta paper, adding to the traditional side of the chosen colour combo.
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