Your Myth of Scarcity
Amy Wilson
Reduction Linocut Print, Framed
Ink and collage on paper
2021
includes certificate of authenticity
This is a linocut reduction print. It is a “unique print,” not editioned. When making a reduction print, the lino block is first carved out and printed it in one color. Then, it is carved again, removing more, and another color is printed on top of the previously printed sheet. This is done over and over until finished. Each linocut reduction print has little imperfections, particularly when printed without a press as this one is, but that’s part of what makes them interesting.
The text and images are inspired by the work and politics of William Morris, a leader in the Arts & Crafts movement, best known for his design of wallpaper and fabric. Morris wanted to make work that was beautiful, accessible, and luxurious for everyone, and was meant to be enjoyed by people from all walks of life regardless of socioeconomic class. For the text, I reworked and rewrote socialist and anarchist slogans from the turn of the century, as a celebration of his ideas. The imagery often reappears in my work, but is adapted here in a way to emulate his.
