Silphium Borer Moth Print
This print is part of my Endangered Species series, a series of prints representing local critters that are threatened by myriad dangers of the Anthropocene: habitat loss, climate change, pollution, invasive species, and over-exploitation.
The Silphium Borer Moth, Papaipema silphii, is one of Wisconsin's endangered species. This is one of the largest moths that are native to the midwest. This prairie-dwelling moth is mostly threatened by habitat loss. As more prairie land becomes farmland, the Silphium Borer, along with thousands of other native species, falls under threat of extinction.
The Process: As with all of my prints, I start with one or several reference images and create a digital drawing of my design in Procreate. Then, I print my design on a standard printer, and cover the back of the sheet with graphite. I orient my design on my linoleum block, then I trace over the entire design with a 6H pencil. Once the design is transferred, I begin carving. I use a sharpie to check shadows and highlights as I go. Finally, I make a proof, carve final edits, and print a whole run. Feel free to message me with any questions!
This print is part of my Endangered Species series, a series of prints representing local critters that are threatened by myriad dangers of the Anthropocene: habitat loss, climate change, pollution, invasive species, and over-exploitation.
The Silphium Borer Moth, Papaipema silphii, is one of Wisconsin's endangered species. This is one of the largest moths that are native to the midwest. This prairie-dwelling moth is mostly threatened by habitat loss. As more prairie land becomes farmland, the Silphium Borer, along with thousands of other native species, falls under threat of extinction.
The Process: As with all of my prints, I start with one or several reference images and create a digital drawing of my design in Procreate. Then, I print my design on a standard printer, and cover the back of the sheet with graphite. I orient my design on my linoleum block, then I trace over the entire design with a 6H pencil. Once the design is transferred, I begin carving. I use a sharpie to check shadows and highlights as I go. Finally, I make a proof, carve final edits, and print a whole run. Feel free to message me with any questions!
This print is part of my Endangered Species series, a series of prints representing local critters that are threatened by myriad dangers of the Anthropocene: habitat loss, climate change, pollution, invasive species, and over-exploitation.
The Silphium Borer Moth, Papaipema silphii, is one of Wisconsin's endangered species. This is one of the largest moths that are native to the midwest. This prairie-dwelling moth is mostly threatened by habitat loss. As more prairie land becomes farmland, the Silphium Borer, along with thousands of other native species, falls under threat of extinction.
The Process: As with all of my prints, I start with one or several reference images and create a digital drawing of my design in Procreate. Then, I print my design on a standard printer, and cover the back of the sheet with graphite. I orient my design on my linoleum block, then I trace over the entire design with a 6H pencil. Once the design is transferred, I begin carving. I use a sharpie to check shadows and highlights as I go. Finally, I make a proof, carve final edits, and print a whole run. Feel free to message me with any questions!
