Emil Underbjerg is an artist and linocut printmaker based in Denmark. Reflecting their passion for nature, most of Emil’s prints feature plants, leaves, trees, or landscapes. “I enjoy the symmetry in all kinds of old architecture, especially decorated columns and friezes, and try more and more to incorporate elements like those in my artwork” says the printmaker.
“I’m drawn to the linocut technique because of how approachable it is to start making print,s in terms of being able to produce high quality prints at home with very little equipment. I like to work with the restrictions the material dictates, and to see how far I can push it’s boundaries as well as my own…”
Creating out of the tight space of their 1-bedroom apartment, Emil is currently working on their largest linocut to date; a 100x140cm print entitled SPIRIT WAR, which they’ll be printing in the same way as all of their others – by hand, with a bone folder. Emil explains; “I think my next project will be a little smaller, it’s taken me months to finish carving it. I’m doing this project to see how big I can actually work, and I think I’m reaching the limit with this one, at least until I can get a dedicated studio space.”
Emil mostly uses an iPad to sketch out their designs, using a paper-like screen protector to give the apple pencil better friction when drawing. The printmaker then uses Photoshop to scale, slice, and prepare the drawing for printing. Emil then prints the drawing onto the backing of stickers with a monochrome laser printer. With liquitex gel medium spread over the surface of the lino, they place the printout side down in the gel medium and wait for it to dry. Once dry, Emil removes the paper and starts the carve using a variety of Pfeil tools and gouges. When they’ve completed the carving, Emil creates the print with Cranfield Safewash relief inks on Japanese Kozo paper.
Emil also has a YouTube channel where they share videos about their work. Although shooting the videos can end up taking as long as the printmaking process itself, Emil really enjoys the filmmaking process, and sharing their love for the medium with their audience. Lately, Emil has also been working on a few band t-shirt commissions; “I love working with bands to create interesting designs for their merchandise, I think it’s a great honour to have your artwork represent a band like that.”
Recently, Emil has set up a Patreon page where they share vlogs, high resolution images of their work, and provide early access to new print releases. As well as paying the bills, offering this content provides a way for Emil to connect with the people who support their work. Emil can’t thank their supporters enough, concluding; “I’m grateful to each patron and to anyone who has bought something from me, and to the bands I’ve had the chance to work with, thank you all for believing in me and and my art”.
@emil.underbjerg
www.emilunderbjerg.dk
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