Until We’re Free

Linocut ink print, watercolor, and oil paint.
2026

prints scattered on my art desk surrounded by the linocut tools.

I have always wanted to try linocuts, I love the look of them, and something about the tactile nature seemed like it would be very satisfying to do. I love things that use my hands in a very physical way, embroidery, tatreez, gardening even—so I wondered if this would scratch a similar itch as those activities. I also feel like switching mediums is a really great way to combat art block or creative fatigue. When I’m learning a new skill, I’m less worried about the outcome and much more focussed on having an enjoyable and meaningful process. The starting kit I bought came with a stencil for different kinds of flowers, and when I saw the poppy flower, my brain automatically thought of doing something related to Palestine, global solidarity, and the ongoing process of living with those heavy emotions. I wasn’t planning on using it for anything, but then I found an empty picture frame that’s been sitting in my closet for a while and I decided to use oil paint to do a Palestinian-tile themed border around my print and it is now hanging up on my wall, reminding me in many ways that hope is not only something to hold onto, but to fight for.

process of refining the stencil and practicing different prints