Medium: Block print. Linoleum and Ink (water-based) on Stonhange Warm White cotton paper.

Inspiration: This design combines my love for block printing, wildlife, and traditional Scandinavian folk art. I created this design for friends over the holidays in the spirit of Love, Hope, and Renewal, not only for one another, but also for our own selves and for mother nature too.

In a year of a pandemic, we often had to reimagine how to show love. Any gesture of love is good love.

We also reconnected to nature, with many people spending more time outdoors. It was a good time to rethink our impact on and connection to the natural world—and our love for it.

To me, squirrels represent wildlife and nature "in our own back yards," like friendly (if sometimes frustrating) ambassadors to the natural world and our connection to it. 2020 saw a squirrel population explosion due to a bumper crop of acorns. Working from home a lot this past year, I observed many squirrels in my small back patio-yard, enjoying their antics and admiring their beautiful counter-balanced "S" profile when they dined on acorns. Squirrels are highly adaptable creatures—a nice reminder in a year of a pandemic.

"Winter Squirrel" is my interpretation of Scandinavian design (and a not to my Norwegian heritage), that has always been closely tied to the natural world. Many traditional Scandinavian Folk Art features
objects from nature. Some also use geometric shapes, such as hearts or circles. These images were mainly used to decorate items used in homes.

One of the things I love about block printing is the ability to reproduce a design by hand multiple times. Perfect for giving away to friends and family! At a time where many of us were on zoom or or phones more than ever, perhaps it's nice to have a little something hand-made.