Japanese Vinyl Study — Jenny Mason-GunningJapanese Vinyl Study is an exploration of mark making using Japanese vinyl as a carving surface. This material differs noticeably from both traditional hessian-backed lino and soft cut lino, offering a smoother, firmer, and more consistent surface under the blade.The study focuses on the direct language of cut marks — lines, textures, curves, and repeated patterns — revealing how Japanese vinyl responds to different pressures and tools. The surface allows for crisp incisions and clean edges, making it particularly suited to graphic clarity and detailed pattern work.Compared to softer materials, Japanese vinyl holds its structure more confidently during printing. It resists compression under pressure, allowing it to perform well on the press without the distortion that can occur with softer substrates.This piece is not a narrative image but an investigation — a record of experimentation with material. It demonstrates how subtle differences in carving surfaces influence the quality of line, the sharpness of edges, and the overall character of a print.Japanese Vinyl Study reflects Jenny Mason-Gunning’s ongoing interest in understanding printmaking materials at their most fundamental level — where the relationship between blade, surface, ink, and pressure defines the final image.
