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Block printing paved the way for Gutenberg’s moveable-type printing press, but each page had to be carved, letter by letter (and backwards).  Originally block printing was used exclusively for copying religious texts, but as the centuries passed, it became a wonderful tool for illustrations and even prayer cards.  Linoleum began to be used during the early part of the 20th century as an alternative to wood.  It was cheaper, easier to carve, and was not limited by wood grain.

Today, block printing has become a forgotten form of art, lost to an age of digital technology.  However, there are those of us who see art not merely as the need for something new, nor purely based on tradition, but rather a blending of the two.  We see block printing as a way to create multiple images that will never be exactly alike.  Each stamp has a personality and life of its own.

So let’s give thanks to the Chinese, who showed Marco Polo the beauty of block printing…even if we couldn’t grasp papermaking for some time.

www.myspace.com/anthonyshannonart

You will find pictures of my artwork; linoleum block prints, book arts, and painting.