CultureJune 16, 2026

linocut

/ˈlaɪ.noʊ.kʌt/

Definition

A printmaking technique where an artist carves a design into a sheet of linoleum, which is then inked and pressed onto a surface to create an image.

Etymology

The word is a portmanteau of 'linoleum,' a floor covering material made from solidified linseed oil, and 'cut.' It emerged in the early 20th century as artists adopted the industrial material as a softer, easier-to-carve alternative to traditional woodblocks.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe a specific style of rendering by artist Daniel González for a large-scale pop-up book project at the Central Library. It highlights the physical, hand-crafted nature of his artistic contribution.

ON Culture: Art in Unexpected Places

Read the full article ↗

The Santa Barbara Independent

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