08/30/2024

Sybil Andrews – a modernist linocut printmaker

British-born Canadian printmaker Sybil Andrews was a force in an important school of modernist printmaking that made art more accessible through the use of cheaper linocuts, reliefs cut from linoleum rather than wood.  (Above: Tillers of the Soil, linocut in four colours.)

In Full Cry, linocut in three colors

This remarkable artist (1898 – 1992) has been profiled on this site before (see a feature on Andrews and her partner Cyril Power on the Art Junkie here) A number of her prints were settled at auction this week at Heffel in Toronto, always worth another look.


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14 thoughts on “Sybil Andrews – a modernist linocut printmaker

  1. The dynamic composition and restrained palette of ‘In Full Cry’ brilliantly capture movement with elegant simplicity. Wonderful!

    1. Yes, really good point about the restrained palette, which makes the work even more powerful. Thank you, so glad you enjoyed!

      1. Welcome and likewise! I just added you to my shortcuts, so I’m sure I’ll be by more often.

      2. Thoughts turned to you the other day when I read on blog.to about CAFTCAD’s movie wardrobe sale in the east end in mid-December (presumptuous of me!)

      3. I think that’s lovely!
        Although I never did join CAFTCAD, many terrific people belong to it.
        It’s so neat now that my Art Gowns have settled into being made from cast offs, NOS, etc., have become “Sustainable Glamour” that I have been getting packages from all over with some interesting fabrics in them.
        I just received a big box of Victorian linens and laces.
        I have this idea to combine them with a kimono I inherited. (turns out it’s a big trend in Japan right now- kimonos incorporated into wedding gowns, but didn’t know that when I got the idea)
        I believe the kimono is NOT a traditional print, and I would take it apart at the seams, and NOT cut into it.. It could actually be put back together, should anyone want to.

        In your opinion, does that seem like cultural appropriation, or cultural appreciation, or neither.
        I am so confused these days.
        Thank you!

      4. Great material coming in to you. Very cool. As for cultural appropriation, no that does not seem so, but I have learned (fast) to ask my friends/contacts – even sometimes organizations – about whether something is culturally appropriated (especially in the art world) What about asking someone at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre here in Toronto

    1. I should have told you ages ago how much I like and look forward to your thoughts and comments about these works. Always a pleasure!

      1. Oh, that’s nice of you. I’m Italian background, so as soon as see something and a thought comes in my mind, I have to mention it… otherwise, it goes away. I enjoy your posts. By the way, I thought of you recently. I went to a Christmas Market. A lady had paintings by a Canadian Artist. She said he was Canadian. Harry Agensky. I liked the people he painted, other things too. I was surprised to see his work at the French American School’s Xmas market, because one painting and it might have been a print was $750. Curious if you know his work.

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