Escapist Lit – art print by Brianna Tosswill

This beautiful linocut print is part of Brianna Tosswill’s ‘Reader’ series ⏤ a series of several linocut prints created by the artist featuring reading-themed motifs in Penrose Press‘ unmistakable style. This print was created as a reduction print, which means the linoleum used to make this print does not exist anymore, since after each colour a layer of linoleum was cut away (until eventually only the last layer was left). This delicate & precious artwork has been printed on thin, speckled off-white paper and only 15 copies have been produced. The ink used is rubber-based Van Son ink.

The title of this art print is very apt: Escapist Lit. From the artist’s description of this print: “This linocut represents a sanctuary from the demands of everyday life. The quiet, dim, stillness evokes a library or a greenhouse, both excellent places to be alone with your thoughts (or someone else’s)….Read to escape, or for the pure pleasure of it, however you like, and consider acquiring this print for your reading nook or home library.” This print also makes you wonder: are we really seeing a reader in a quiet space or rather the calm mind of someone who has escaped into a story and has forgotten the world around them?

(Photo credit: Dahlia Katz)