Joseph Skinner is an artist and aspiring educator. Receiving his BA and serving three years as a teaching assistant at Eckerd College, he is currently an MFA candidate at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. A printmaker by blood and mixed media artist at heart, his recent studies in painting, sculpture, and printmaking are inspired by games of chance – and examine probability, ephemeral value, tactical aesthetics and the consumer; in context with human needs, hopes, and faith.
Skinner’s prints have been exhibited nationally and are included in the collections of the Bradbury Museum of Art and Eckerd College, and have been featured in several publications, including the Tampa Bay Times.
Prints begin as pencil sketches on mounted linoleum, Shina plywood or MDF blocks. The sketches are then lined in pen before carving.
Carved blocks are then printed using oil based ink either by hand or an etching press
My print editions vary anywhere from 5 -100.
editions for custom/commissioned works vary upon request.
What is the difference between linoleum and wood?
Linoleum cuts
Linoleum is my favorite to carve when I really want to have fun with the process. The softness of the medium to go along with the lack of any grain allows me to let loose and carve with all the expression my heart desires.
“Lust”. Linocut. 24”x18”. 2014.
Woodcuts
mdf
For my woodcut prints and low-relief sculptures, I mainly Medium Density Fiber board (MDF).
MDF is an inexpensive, soft wood typically used for indoor cabinet furnishings. It easy to use due to its lack of woodgrain, allowing for more fluid cutting. It can be used for single layer or multilayer reduction prints.