This is a multi-block linocut print of a pack of wolves running against a sunset sky background that is also in the shape of a profile of a woman running inspired by Wolf Woman, a folktale from the Southwestern United States retold by Dr Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Jungian Analyst and Cantadora, keeper of the old stories in the Latina tradition in her bestselling book Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of The Wild Woman Archetype.

PRINTING PROCESS: For a multi-block linocut, two separate blocks are carved, one for the background sky and profile of the running woman, and the second for the pack of running wolves, crows, trees and bushes. The artwork is printed in two separate stages: the background is printed first and left to dry. Then the foreground is printed on top. For this reason the carving and printing process takes much longer than a one-block linocut with only one color. The various shades of the sky and earth are hand-mixed so please expect slight variations.

PRINT SIZE: 10" x 16",

PAPER SIZE: 12" x 18"

MATERIALS: It is hand printed with Caligo Safewash (non-toxic) relief Ink on archival quality 100% cotton acid-free Strathmore Paper. Strathmore Paper Mills are locally located in Massachusetts where my studio is.

STORY DETAILS:

Wolf Woman, also known as Loba Girl, or La Huesera or Bone Woman, climbs the canyons, and sifts through the arroyos or dry riverbeds, looking for wolf bones. She reassembles them by a fire over which she sings until its eyes open and it springs back to life! Off it runs like the wind and in the distance you can see it has transformed into a woman laughing. . .or perhaps howling.

In the opening chapter of her book entitled “The Howl: Resurrection of the Wild Woman” Dr Estes explains how the act of singing over the bones is about the need call back the dead and dismembered parts of ourselves that have been silenced and marginalized that need to be reclaimed, and reintegrated into our psyche and identity. The story shows us this process is literally enlivening and empowering, and gives voice to a creature inside us that is like a wolf in the wild, free from captivity.

GIFT SUGGESTIONS:

This would make a wonderful gift for someone who is a fan of the book Women Who Run with the Wolves! It would also be fitting for someone who is reclaiming her voice, or other important aspects of her identity (hobbies, interests, passions) that may have been forgotten but now are being integrated back into life. It is also makes great gift for wolf lovers, wildlife lovers, folktale lovers, as well as those who appreciate handmade gifts.

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. A one-page insert including a description of the folktale is included with the print.

SHIPPING: This item will be shipped within 5-7 business days.

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