'Precious' is a signed, limited edition, 4 colour linocut print on Fabriano paper by Joanna Martin.

This artwork shows a clutch of four precious Curlew eggs in a nest on the ground called a ‘Scrape’. The handprinted nature of this reduction linocut print means that each one is slightly different and unique.

"‘Precious’ is my interpretation of a clutch of speckled pale olive-green Curlew eggs, sitting so precariously on the ground, hidden in the grass. I have added some lettering referring to the cry of the curlew, an evocative sound which can vary from “curlee, curlee” to a bubbling trill floating above the landscape as they fly away.

I regularly see the Curlew on the shore near where I live, this large wading bird is difficult to spot against the seaweed with it’s mottled brown plumage but I always take the time to watch it. In the Spring it flies inland to breed in the few areas of bog and wet grassland remaining that aren’t being farmed. Very few chicks survive to fledge due to predation by fox and crows or other reasons, and this bird is on the brink of extinction."

"In my making process I carve a design out of linoleum or Japanese vinyl, roll it up with ink and handprint it. I put a lot of time and thought into mixing my inks when printmaking. I apply the first colour to the lino, handprint it then cut away more of the image, mix up the second colour, apply, print and so on, building up layer upon layer. The result is a rich depth of colour."

Frame Details: We use sustainable wooden frames and glass, not fibreboard and acrylic which typically you find in 'off the shelf' frames. Unlike acrylic, glass does not lose its clarity over time and can be easily and safely cleaned. We have been successfully shipping ready to hang frames containing glass since we opened in 2005.

There are two finishes to choose from: black or white. For frame details click the ‘View Frame Details’ link above.

Packaging Details: We go to great lengths to ensure that your purchase arrives in perfect condition. We only use sturdy cardboard postal tubes and double walled cardboard boxes. We use as much recycled and recyclable material as possible, including newspapers from our coffee shop, Coffee Yard, to pack our boxes.

Delivery Details: Place your order by 3pm for same day dispatch. Next day delivery is available at checkout. For full delivery information, including cost, click the ‘Delivery Information’ link above.