Soft Cut Study — Jenny Mason-GunningSoft Cut Study is an exploration of mark making using soft cut lino — a material noticeably different from traditional hessian-backed lino.Soft cut lino is smoother, softer, and significantly easier to carve. The blade moves through it with less resistance, allowing for fluid, confident marks and quick experimentation. However, its softness also makes it extremely compressible. Without securing it to a rigid board, it is unsuitable for high-pressure press printing, as it can shift or distort under pressure.This piece intentionally demonstrates the character of the material. The carved marks are direct and clear, revealing how easily lines, textures, and shapes can be cut. The composition highlights the responsiveness of soft cut lino — where the tool glides rather than bites.Unlike hessian-backed lino, which offers resistance and structural firmness, soft cut has a yielding quality. That “squish” becomes part of its identity. It is ideal for hand printing and experimentation, but requires careful registration and mounting when used on a press.Soft Cut Study reflects an interest not only in image-making, but in understanding materials — how different substrates respond to the blade, the ink, and the pressure of printmaking.
