The Willow design utilises a repeat pattern that can be joined horizontally or vertically and alludes to the elegance of willow leaves fluttering in the wind. Capturing the gentle, quivering movement of a weeping willow tree as it leans over a riverbank, this high contrast graphic image still retains the delicate qualities of a hand printed piece.
Hand-drawn onto lino and carved using precise chisels and gouges, the Willow design exploits the smooth pliability of the material – and its ease of carving – to enhance symbiosis between content and style. Water-based relief printing ink is then applied to the carved lino block before Tenjin paper is placed on top. A bamboo hand tool known as a baren is used to exert varying degrees of pressure, in order to achieve the desired depth of tone. Thus each leaf is uniquely hued, captured in its own conspicuous moment in the breeze.
