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 my first oak leaf swirl. I always wanted to make a bigger edition, as well as an edition in copper to reflect the way the leaves turn in autumn.

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 is part of what makes this artform so beautiful. Canson Mi-Teintes paper is typically used for pastels, meaning it is quite textured. This can cause some speckling in the ink, but it holds the metallic ink beautifully, ensuring the leaves retain their shine. 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.