Laser engraved cotton paper, oil-based ink, woodblock relief

These are five monotypes featuring images from a previous publication Oligarchy & Persimmons. The images are site specific, captured within the Fortress of Louisbourg which was established by France & historically a point of contention. Throughout the 1760s, British forces demolished the fortress using gunpowder—leaving rubble in place of walls. Its history is defined by the surviving remnants, salvaged through the reconstruction.

The bobbin lace technique became the inspiration for the paper edge, which was hand pixelated before laser engraving on unprinted cotton paper. Burn marks are intentionally left facing up on the visible side, comparing the machine pattern with that of the lace & referencing the endured damage. With the exception of the lace print, subjects are split to form diptychs, highlighting the details of place in close proximity. This was my first experience with woodblock relief printing, to preserve the integrity of the image & the archive. [2025].