- Birds & Animals
- >
- 'The Devil's Bird' original magpie linocut
'The Devil's Bird' original magpie linocut
'The Devil’s Bird' is an original linocut print, design size approx. 7” diameter. Depicting a solitary magpie with the text ‘Devil, Devil, I defy thee’ encircling it.
I love magpies and have wanted to create a print of one for a while. My design includes reference to the old belief that if you see a solitary magpie, you can avoid the bad luck by shaking your fist at it and shouting “Devil, Devil, I defy thee!” (This fact is also referenced in the fantastic song by The Unthanks, which is a favourite of mine.)
Magpies are often referred to as “the devil’s bird”, perhaps because of their habit of eating carrion or stealing other birds’ eggs. Folklore and superstition has surrounded them for centuries, and the Victorians were so fearful of them that they hunted them almost to extinction. But they’re amazingly intelligent - they are one of the few creatures that can recognise themselves in a reflection, for instance. Beautiful, striking & clever, they really don’t deserve their bad press!
Open edition, signed by me as the artist.
Printed using black Cranfield ink, on 250gsm Kent paper.
This is an original design, hand-drawn onto a lino block which is then carved ready for printing. The plate is then inked up and each print is hand-pulled. Due to the nature of the crafting & printing process, each print will be slightly different, with small variations in tone and colour.
Unframed / umounted - each print will be shipped flat (not rolled), carefully wrapped in acid-free tissue with a backboard (no plastic).