I made an earlier, smaller version of this print a few years ago as part of a poetry project celebrating the UK's natural habitats, run by the writing organisation 26 and The Wildlife Trusts.

The poetry project celebrated key UK habitats and I was paired with deciduous woodland. Oak trees are a keystone species in this woodland, supporting more life than any other native tree species. In fact, an oak can host as many as 400 different types of insect and up to 100 species of moth. They also provide food, shelter and breeding sites for birds and mammals.

While my task was to write a haiku celebrating my habitat (see below), the project also inspired me to make my first oak leaf swirl. I always wanted to make bigger versions.

carve oak-dappled light
every paper mark a prayer –
i will be more tree

Printmaking with lino is a manual craft that requires specialist tools and inks. The nature of the process means that each print is unique and may feature some speckling in the ink. This is part of what makes this artform so beautiful. Please note there may be slight variations from the print in the photo.

This is an unframed linocut print and I will send it to you in a compostable protective sleeve backed with card and a board-backed envelope to keep it sturdy and ready to frame or give as a gift.