I am a cat lover to the extreme. So when my first cat Motor passed away two years ago, I was devastated. Little did I know his passing would inspire me to begin a new body of artwork, fifteen pieces in total, in a brand new medium.
One year ago, I started making handmade prints, linocut prints to be exact, using the many photos I had taken of Motor across the years of his life. He was so photogenic and an inspiration to me.
Motor was a ginger cat, but I chose to make the images of the cats in my prints black, because I wanted to use his image more as a universal symbol for all cats, not just about him specifically.
A few of my prints are also about his passing, about what I want to think he has experienced on the other side of this physical reality. Enlightened, Blessed and Wings are all hopeful images about the after life.
Linocut printing is a handmade printing process, with no presses involved. The process begins with a drawing. Once you have your drawing perfected, you transfer that to a block of linoleum or soft rubber, and then you carve into the block with various size gouges, creating your design. Printing ink is then rolled onto the raised surfaces of the block, paper is laid on top, and then pressure is put on the back of the paper by hand or in a press, and when the paper is lifted, you have your print. Each print comes out slightly different due to the handmade nature of the artwork.
Instagram & Facebook, @MaryAnnTestagrossaArt
More info: MaryAnnTestagrossaArt.com
My Handmade Linocut Prints
Motor, My Original Inspiration
More Handmade Linocut Prints
Mandala
Adorned
Blessed
Enlightened
Paradise
Mandala Blue
450views
Share on Facebook
Wonderful story of the translation of love and loss into the beauty of art
Beautiful and moving story- love that you transformed your grief for Motor into such a beautiful expression of love ❤️
I love that you are honoring Motor's life in such a beautiful way. All of your prints are lovely.
I love this artist's work! Beautiful prints, and such a poignant story!
Thank you so much Jessica!!
Load More Replies...
Such a beautiful story and beautiful art. What a great way to honor your cat.
Love the artwork. My cat also died recently, and a lot of these prints remind me of her.
The ones we love never truly leave us. I think the inspiration for this artwork and the resulting beautiful pieces are a lovely testamony to that. I love how they are both elegant and sweet. Just lovely.
I love this series. Such a beautiful way to remember & honor a beloved fur child.
Wonderful art work. Luv the different poses and various colors used for the backgrounds. What a beautiful way to honor a special pet and friend!💕
The story adds such meaning to the beautiful works of art. Creating beauty in memory of a beloved animal.
What a beautiful way to honor Motor. I can't pick a favorite from this series....They are all so lovely!
These pieces transform love and grief into sweet soul art. These pieces are precious Mary Ann❤️
Wonderful story of the translation of love and loss into the beauty of art
Beautiful and moving story- love that you transformed your grief for Motor into such a beautiful expression of love ❤️
I love that you are honoring Motor's life in such a beautiful way. All of your prints are lovely.
I love this artist's work! Beautiful prints, and such a poignant story!
Thank you so much Jessica!!
Load More Replies... Such a beautiful story and beautiful art. What a great way to honor your cat.
Love the artwork. My cat also died recently, and a lot of these prints remind me of her.
The ones we love never truly leave us. I think the inspiration for this artwork and the resulting beautiful pieces are a lovely testamony to that. I love how they are both elegant and sweet. Just lovely.
I love this series. Such a beautiful way to remember & honor a beloved fur child.
Wonderful art work. Luv the different poses and various colors used for the backgrounds. What a beautiful way to honor a special pet and friend!💕
The story adds such meaning to the beautiful works of art. Creating beauty in memory of a beloved animal.
What a beautiful way to honor Motor. I can't pick a favorite from this series....They are all so lovely!
These pieces transform love and grief into sweet soul art. These pieces are precious Mary Ann❤️
25
40