Sequoia | 15.75″ x 56″ | Wood Block Print Kelli MacConnell

12″ x 51″ hand-carved block printed with oil-based ink on a 15.75″ x 56″ deckled edge, 90lb Arches acid-free cotton paper. When framed, its full dimensions are 22.5″ x 62.75″. An edition of 100, it was first printed in 2017

• 90lb Arches acid-free cotton paper
• oil based ink
• unframed: 15 3/4″ x 56″
• framed: 23″ x 63″
• made in Portland, OR

Linocut is a variation of woodcut printmaking. A sheet of linoleum, often mounted on a wooden block, is used for the relief surface. A design is carved into the linoleum surface with a sharp knife, V-shaped chisel, or gouge. This leaves the raised, un-carved areas to represent a mirror image of the final composition. The linoleum sheet is inked with a roller called a brayer, and then carefully impressed onto paper. The actual printing can be done by hand or with a press.

Kelli MacConnell was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH. As an avid hiker and adventure-seeking Midwest girl, she made her way to Portland in 2006. She became enchanted by the arts as a child and has always expressed a love for drawing and painting, but it wasn’t until studying art at Portland State University that she discovered her passion for printmaking. Kelli received her BFA with a focus in printmaking in 2012 and enthusiastically began showing her work. Within a couple years of graduating, she made the transition to a working printmaker and has since been enjoying life as a full-time artist and mother.

Kelli is dedicated to exploring the endless possibilities of printmaking and creating original, introspective art in hopes that it will speak beyond the frame, fostering a healthier relationship between humans and nature.