The Sour Cherry Tree – a new Reduction Linocut

It’s been nearly two and a half years since I completed my last reduction linocut, Eagles Nest. I hadn’t realised just how much time had passed! It’s wonderful to be back in the rhythm of planning, carving, and printing.

‘The Sour Cherry Tree,’ my new reduction linocut print, captures special memoriues of the yellow-tailed black cockatoos visiting my neighbour’s rainforest Sour Cherry tree. This tree, which succumbed to the relentless rains about three years ago, provided shade and a resting spot for these magnificent birds as they flew from point A to point B. Point A was the macadamia farm a few kilometres down the valley. Point b … I don’t know. I dont know where they fly to for their evening sleep and shelter. I wish I did, but I also like the mystery of not knowing.

I miss the tree’s presence and the joy of watching the cockatoos perched in her branches.

The photo above shows the tree in its prime, its crown hosting the cockatoos for a snack on her small red berries and a brief respite on their evening flight. The tree has since been cut down. She was very large, perched on an embankment, and at dancer of eventual collapse.

Unlike my previous reduction linocut prints, I didn’t document the step by step progress of the layers. I did however, quickly realise that I’d lost much of my hand-printing stamina. My back muscles reminded me of their existence with every layer and paper printed!

To ease back into the process, I chose to work with fewer colours and layers than usual. This print features six colors printed over four layers.

Late last year, I experienced a breathtaking moment when a crackle of more than 60 yellow-tailed black cockatoos flew overhead and lingered for nearly an hour. They danced through the skies and between the crowns of the tall eucalypts at the front of my property.

Witnessing such a large group together was extraordinary and a true privilege. And not a common sight in these areas.

Their striking yellow tail bands and cheek patches were a beautiful sight. Their cries. Their weightless movement through the skies.

The birds in the video ‘The Sour Cherry Tree’ linocut print have also featured in several recent works:

• sky dancers – an artist book
• sky dancers – for Field Notes

‘The Sour Cherry Tree’ reduction linocut print technical Information

Print process – reduction linocut print

Edition Size – a limited edition of 10 prints plus one (1) Artist Proof

Inks – Sakura oil based inks

Paper – 300gsm Arches 88

Image size – 30cm x 43cm

Tools – Pfeil carving tools

Printed – I printed this print with both with my press and trusty glass Print Frog barren