Printing with the Public

Interview with Linda Oickle 

1. What is your Afterglow 2018 project called? Could you describe it? What is its inspiration? 
My project is called Printing with the Public. Using printing plates cut and designed by the artist, any member of the public will be helped to print their own image to take with them, free of charge. Inspired by my love of the art of Linocutting, and my desire to educate the public about this type of printing!

2. Tell us a little bit about yourself, where you live, and your creativity.
My name is Linda Oickle - I'm now living in Mahone Bay, but I was brought up in Blockhouse. After returning to my love of art and drawing in 2004, I was encouraged by my daughter to try printing. I tried many forms of the printmaking process, but I fell in love with the tactile art of linocutting, drawing my design, cutting and inking the plates. This gives me the ability to make more than one original image from any of my plates!

Photo by Mostly the Coast.

3. How do you feel Afterglow makes an impact on Bridgewater? 
Afterglow is an inspirational program that gives every person in and around the Bridgewater area to experience many forms/kinds of art first hand. From Fine Art to Performing Arts, everyone has the chance to see, hear and feel the arts and culture of our area. 

4. Why have you chosen to take part in this year's festival?
I chose to join in the festivities so I can once again educate the public on the art of printmaking, as it was done for over a hundred years.  

5. What are you looking forward to most in this year's festival?
Working with the children and seeing their faces when they reveal their own piece of linocut art. 
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Photo supplied by artist.

Photo supplied by artist.

Interview and blog compiled by Jordan Beck Crouse