Lithograph print that depicts Mount Susitna, locally known as Sleeping Lady, under the crescent moon while a lush sea life resides below.  Sleeping Lady can be seen from Anchorage, Alaska, across the Cook Inlet.  The mountain’s ridge resembles the profile of a woman lying on the west bank of the Susitna River and is a fixture in the Alaskan experience.

Over the winter, artist Crystal Worl took a residency at Taller La Chicharra, an art workshop in Oaxaca, Mexico, that provides equipment and services for hands-on artists.  The workshop specializes in engraving and press printing.
 
Each print is embossed along the bottom with la chicharra, or the cicada, and the embossed watermark of the high-quality paper used, Fabriano.  While la chicharra is at the bottom center, the Fabriano watermark varies across the bottom of the print.
 
This is a very limited run with only 40 prints created. Each print is hand signed, numbered, and titled.

Behind the Process

Lithography, from the Greek “to write on stone,” starts with a stone plate, most commonly limestone, and the intended design drawn on with an oil-based ink.  The stone is then chemically treated, preventing any blank part of the stone from accepting ink or paint.  When paper is placed on the stone and run through a press, this allows only the artist’s design to transfer. This technique was first used around 1798. Limestone is the most common surface to work on.
 
This is an extensive, difficult process made only possible by the professional team that helped Crystal bring her vision to life.    

To better understand how the process works, watch here:

Approximate Art Size:                                                                                                  9.75” x 14”

Fabriano Artistico Watercolour Paper is 100% cotton, chlorine and acid free, guaranteeing long conservation.  Deckled edges.