A small print for #printdayinmay2025 as well as #EDSawarenessmonth ~ I am diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a genetic connective tissue disorder which primarily affects my skin and joints, but has impacts in multiple bodily systems. For fine motor skills specifically, with any repetitive motion or pressure, my fingers can hyperextend and get stuck that way!
So, though I love printmaking and all the thought, focus, creativity, and patience that goes into the art process—it kills my hands! My ring splints help and the Flexcut set my mom gifted me have made a big difference, but I definitely need to invest in a press to help with my wrist, elbow, and shoulder issues. Despite the pain, I really have fallen in love with blockprinting and want to continue to pursue it and improve.
The dagger-through-the-hand motif has a lot of interpretations: danger, fear, strength, resilience, betrayal. So I decided to design one with the printmaker’s chisel. My personal interpretation of it is dedication to the craft despite the struggle, but also a reminder that I am fragile and to take care of myself! The duality of perseverance and preservation.
Made using Speedball ink, Flexcut palm set, and Strathmore paper.
#blockprinting #printmaking #blackink #woodcutstyle #linoprint #linocutprint #reliefprint #blockprint #printmakersofinstagram #linocut #printdayinmay #printdayinmay2025 #printmaking #solvecoagula #asabovesobelow #medievalart #medieval #disabledartist #ehlersdanlossyndrome #eds #ehlersdanlos #hypermobility #chronicillness #spoonie #humanmade #disability #edszebra
