DinoCat Studio

Edition Four Feature
Words by: Hannah Gebhart 
Location: Des Moines, Iowa, USA 
Photo Credit: ©Hannah Gebhart 

I am a paper artist and printmaker who thrives on the tactile process of creating artwork, carving scenes out of wood and linoleum blocks and building up images using paper. What began as a hobby to infuse my life with more creativity has turned into an exploration of what can be done with simple tools, accessible materials and a desire to create meaningful work for others to enjoy. 

Although my background as a graphic designer plays an influential role in my creative process, I favour the hands-on process of paper art and printmaking. Working with my hands to create something out of raw materials has always fascinated me. Even now, I constantly challenge myself to try different techniques, methods and subject matter to ensure that my design style continues to evolve and grow. 

Printmaking was my initial focus when I started DinoCat Studio in 2017. Being able to take an idea, carve it into wood and then transfer it to paper is an experience like no other. I still remember the first woodcut that I created in college and the feeling of the U-gouge tool carving through the wood, making the first series of marks. Seeing the image reveal itself when I inked the wood block for the first time. And, finally, transferring the image to a piece of paper using a baren made from two wooden doorknobs glued together. That moment of lifting up the piece of paper and hoping that my first woodcut print had turned out how I’d imagined it would – and it was even better than I could have hoped for. 

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