This is an original handmade linocut print inspired by an Inuit folktale about the gift of reciprocity featuring a polar bear, elderly woman, seals, schools of fish, arctic loon, full moon and a galaxy of stars.

In the story an elderly childless woman finds a lost polar bear cub and raises him as her own. When he grows up and the elderly woman finds herself unable to look after herself, he brings her food. This story celebrates interdependence, reciprocity and a deep and intimate kinship between the human and animal worlds.

SIZE:

Print size 12” x 18”

Paper size ranges from 16-17” x 20-20.5” If this matters to you please indicate this in the note to seller.

MATERIALS:

Caligo safewash (non-toxic) ink, and traditional Japanese Awagami Select Hosho Paper both of which are archival quality. Hosho paper is a handmade paper from Japan, a cultural treasure and time-honored heritage that has been handcrafted from natural materials for over a thousand years with a strict attention to quality and preservation. Hosho is made from the branches of the kozo, gampi and mitsumata, preserving the bush/tree, making it a more sustainable choice than other papers. It is acid-free and archival quality and has a rustic natural handmade feel with deckled edge and is slightly off-white. It is lightweight, and I use it primarily with my large prints which I barnish by hand.

COLOR OPTIONS:

This print is offered in three different color options: Black, light Blue-Gray, dark Gray-Teal. (The dark Gray-Teal looks almost black from a distance, but it does have a more subtle, softer look up close). The colors are hand mixed so please expect slight variations in color from the photo. You may also request a custom color, it will take 3-5 days to print and dry before mailing.

GIFT SUGGESTIONS:

This is would be a wonderful piece of art for a nursery room or children's room, or living room, library or community center. It would also make a great gift for families who love the magic of folktales and folklore, families who love spending time in nature, and families who value interdependence, reciprocity and love to be reminded of our ancient human kinship with the wild. It would be especially wonderful for someone who values indigenous wisdom.

PACKAGING: This print will be carefully rolled in Kraft paper, packed in a recycled clear bag and shipped in a recycled cylindrical tube. FeathersandFolktales uses eco-friendly packaging supplies from EcoEnclose and YazooMills. A one-page insert including a description of the folktale is included with the print.

Free Shipping within the USA. Ships out within 1-3 business days.

Flat rate international shipping for $35.00

Questions? Please feel free to email diemdangers@gmail.com or contact me here. you will get a response within 24 hours.

Please note* the copyright of this work is retained by the artist.