New Orleans artist Rory Linn explores the boundaries of paint and sculpture in her monochromatic carved paintings.
Artist: Born in Denver, CO, Linn grew up in South Texas. She spent 15 years in Oregon, where she graduated with a BS in printmaking from Portland State University. Linn also has an
AA in photography she earned during her studies in Florence, Italy.
In 2020, Linn relocated to New Orleans, where she works out of her home studio.
In the beginning: In 2021, Linn felt limited by the medium of printmaking as well as the size of prints she could create. She wanted to find a way to add more texture and depth to her work.
Feeling more connected to carving in her artistic practice, Linn wanted to see if there was a way to just carve and remove the printing process all together. After exploring a variety of mediums, Linn eventually discovering paint carving.
“I spent eight months experimenting to get my paint mix right for our climate in New Orleans,” said Linn. “As many layers of pure paint won’t cure in high humidity.”
Art & materials: Monochromatic carved paintings, often with 40 layers of acrylic paint, on wood panel ($185 for small 6-inch rounds to $3,600 and up for larger pieces).
“The monochromatic palettes allow the interplay of light, shadow and texture to become the primary focus,” said Linn.
The carved surfaces become metaphors for what we discover when we choose to slow down, observe and be present, said Linn, who finds carving meditative.
Must-have tools: Her clip-on magnifiers for that fine detail work and a range of gouge sizes for variety in her carved marks.
Inspirations: “Exploring new places where I can step outside of my daily life, whether that is traveling or playing tourist in my home city of New Orleans,” said Linn.
” I also draw a lot from my photography background. Often snapping compositions that will make their way into my sketches and carvings.”
What’s new: After years of black and white, she has been exploring color – blues and chartreuse, and a few peach colors.
“But as a printmaker and black and white photographer, my heart will always remain with black and white palettes,” said Linn.
What’s next: Some large-scale installation carvings in public spaces and commissioned work for residential interiors.
Where to buy: rorylinn.com
Connect:
- Instagram: @rorylinn
- Facebook & Pinterest: Rory Linn
