Collection: Key West Art Gallery Artist Alisa Mealor Linoleum Block Prints Ocean Themes

Linoleum block printing is a printmaking technique that uses linoleum, a type of hard rubber material, as the printing surface. The process involves carving an image or design into the linoleum surface, applying ink to the raised areas, and then transferring the inked image to paper or other materials. Here is a brief history of linoleum block print:
Linoleum as a printing material was first used in the late 19th century. The material was originally used as a floor covering, but artists discovered that it was a good alternative to the traditional woodblocks used for printing. The first linoleum block print was created in the early 1900s, primarily in Germany. German artist Emil Orlik is often credited with popularizing the technique. In the early 1900s, artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Max Beckmann began experimenting with linoleum block printing. They were drawn to the medium because it allowed for a bold, graphic style that was different from traditional printmaking techniques. The linocut technique became more popular in the 1920s and 1930s, particularly in Europe. The Bauhaus school in Germany was known for its use of linocut in its printmaking classes. In the United States, the WPA (Works Progress Administration) supported many printmaking projects in the 1930s, and linocut became a popular medium for artists working under the program. Linoleum block printing continued to be used by artists throughout the 20th century and into the present day. Today, artists around the world use the technique to create a wide range of works, from fine art prints to commercial designs. Overall, linoleum block printing has a rich history as a medium that allows for bold, graphic designs, and has been used by artists in many different styles and movements over the years.