About this and that

This site showcases the work of artist printmaker Rory OBrien from Sydney, Australia. You can purchase any of the works on show here.

Rory has specialised in linocut prints since 1991 and has held numerous solo shows in Sydney.

Rory has self-published calendars featuring his linocut prints since 1992 and the small works shown on this site have often been developed for these.

The tshirts started with skategoat design in 2006 and the range has now expanded to adapt some of the linocut designs.

Rory's work has also been sold through markets (particularly Newtown Festival) and gift shops and has been sent around the world.

What is a linocut?

Similar in technique to wood block printing, linoprints are made by carving into a piece of soft linoleum with a v-shaped knife and other tools. Once carved, the block is rolled with ink so that only the raised portions receive the ink from the roller - the white parts are where the knife has dug away the surface. Paper is then placed over the block and the ink is pressed onto the paper (using either a printing press or by rubbing with a spoon). The paper is peeled away to reveal the final image - which is reversed when compared to the original carved block. Many identical prints can be taken from the one linocut block.

For more detail on the process, take a look at the woodcut section on this site.