Snowy Owl • Letterpress and Linocut Print

Of all the owls in my area, Snowy Owls seems to be the most magical. Even before a certain book series came along, these stark, silent creatures have been captivating our minds. I'm so intrigued by how well they are able to blend into their surroundings, even when out in the open fields during the daylight hours. 

As I was working on this print, I was struggling a bit with what text I wanted to add. The night before I was supposed to head back to the print shop to finish it up, I came across the Mary Oliver poem "White Owl Flies Into and Out of the Field". The poem (like most by Mary Oliver) struck me. My thoughts about our place in nature, and what happens when our brief time here ends where perfectly surmised. The verse that I included was what tickled me most- as it appeared I was illustrating a poem I didn't yet know existed.

and then it rose, gracefully,
and flew back to the frozen marshes,
to lurk there,
like a little lighthouse,
in the blue shadows —

This is a five color print, made from a wood cut, several linoleum carvings, and hand-set metal type.

DETAILS:
Print measures 18" wide x 24" tall
Printed on Rives BFK white paper (acid-free), a premium 100% cotton fine printmaking paper
Signed and numbered limited edition of 120

As with all hand printed items, variations in color and texture may occur.
Print will ship carefully rolled up in a tube