Next Project: Multicolor Printmaking

For our next project, we will create a 2-color print from a single piece of linoleum. Artist Andrea Lauren has some great examples of multicolor prints:

Project Requirements:

• 10 prints in a variety of color combinations
• Each print uses 2 ink colors
• Uses 1 sheet of 6×9″ linoleum
• Prints display
  • balance of positive & negative space
  • Clear focal point
  • contrast, unity, movement
  • good craftsmanship

Today we will:

• Sketch out potential designs
• Color in the positive space with Sharpie (use two different colored Sharpies to differentiate ink colors)
• Trace & transfer design onto linoleum. The design should look backwards on the linoleum
• Use linoleum cutters to cut away the negative space

The question of originality

Copyright infringement or original design?

I recently came across an Etsy shop with several designs that were strikingly similar to ones I created years ago. My original examples are on the left; the artist in question created the designs on the right. What do you think – creepy coincidence, intentional infringement, or fair use?

left: Ms. Lawson’s original design; right: design in question