Project
Your goal is to create a two-colour reduction linocut print illustrating a traditional story preserved in writing by Mourning Dove, an Okanagan and Arrow Lakes indigenous woman. These stories are full of interesting animal characters that help explain the origins of our present world.
See full description and link to the ebook at the bottom of the page.
See full description and link to the ebook at the bottom of the page.
The Scorpion & The Tortoise
Based on an old Indian fable from 300B.C.
A scorpion and a tortoise became such fast friends that they took a vow that they would never separate. So when it happened that one of them was obliged to leave his native land, the other promised to go with him. They had traveled only a short distance when they came to a wide river. The scorpion was now greatly troubled.
"Alas," he said, "you, my friend, can easily swim, but how can a poor scorpion like me ever get across this stream?"
"Never fear," replied the tortoise; "only place yourself squarely on my broad back and I will carry you safely over."
No sooner was the scorpion settled on the tortoise's broad back, than the tortoise crawled into the water and began to swim. Halfway across he was startled by a strange rapping on his back, which made him ask the scorpion what he was doing.
"Doing?" answered the scorpion. "I am whetting my sting to see if it is possible to pierce your hard shell."
"Ungrateful friend," responded the tortoise, "it is well that I have it in my power both to save myself and to punish you as you deserve." And straightway he sank his back below the surface and shook off the scorpion into the water.
- The Tortoise and the Geese and other Fables of Bidpai
This two block linoleum print is a collaboration with Chris Metcalf's sketchbook.
Hand cut and printed
Linoleum cut
5X7 Image
8X10 Paper
Source: Dan Atikinson's Website http://danatkinsonworks.com/the-scorpion-the-tortoise-1/
Coyote Stories
"A powerful force and yet the butt of humor, the coyote figure runs through the folklore of many American Indian tribes. He can be held up as a "terrible example" of conduct, a model of what not to do, and yet admired for a careless. anarchistic energy that suggests unlimited possibilities. Mourning Dove, an Okanagan, knew him well from the legends handed down by her people. She preserved them for posterity in Coyote Stories, originally published in 1933.
Here is Coyote, the trickster, the selfish individualist, the imitator, the protean character who indifferently puts the finishing touches on a world soon to receive human beings. And here is Mole, his long-suffering wife, and all the other Animal People, including Fox, Chipmunk, Owl-Woman, Rattlesnake, Grizzly Bear, Porcupine, and Chickadee. Here it is revealed why Skunk's tail is black and white, why Spider has such long legs, why Badger is so humble, and why Mosquito bites people. These entertaining, psychologically compelling stories will be welcomed by a wide spectrum of readers."
Here is Coyote, the trickster, the selfish individualist, the imitator, the protean character who indifferently puts the finishing touches on a world soon to receive human beings. And here is Mole, his long-suffering wife, and all the other Animal People, including Fox, Chipmunk, Owl-Woman, Rattlesnake, Grizzly Bear, Porcupine, and Chickadee. Here it is revealed why Skunk's tail is black and white, why Spider has such long legs, why Badger is so humble, and why Mosquito bites people. These entertaining, psychologically compelling stories will be welcomed by a wide spectrum of readers."