November 14, 2018

Olga's Amazing Work of Art


Olga's Amazing Work of Art

As part of our New Russian Life project, to prepare our magazine for the coming decade, we commissioned Russian artist Olga Ezova-Denisova, who lives in Yekaterinburg, to create an original work of art ("Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter"), that was sent to top-level backers of the project. 

Olga was also kind enough to document the process of the work's creation in photographs, and to send us an explanation of how she went about it. {A few of the number linocut prints remain and are being sold via our online store.}

Producing the prints took almost a month, from the first sketches on August 18 to the numbered and signed prints on September 17. The first stage involved exploratory sketching, followed by a detailed drawing the size of the future engraving. This is one of the most crucial steps, since it is vital to precisely map out the color scheme of the future work so as to correctly apply color to the linocuts and create as much interest as possible.

Sketching the art

I made three identical pieces of engraved linoleum from the final sketch, engraving the image using special cutters.

Usually, only one color is added to each linocut. After some experimenting, I decided to put two to five colors on each to achieve more color variety, resulting in eight different colors that, once overlaid, would give the print greater complexity and richness.

The color is applied using special rollers, and in this case the task required the precision of a jeweler. I even timed how long it took me to apply color onto the three linocuts to print a single picture. At first it was taking 20 minutes to apply the ink for each print, but by the end I was managing to do it in 15.

 

For the printing process, I precisely lined-up the linocut onto the paper and used a special press to make the impression. I was able to make, at most, three impressions per hour. It took 25 hours and five minutes to make all 50 prints, including the process of preparing and washing off the inks. The prints were made using archival quality inks and high-quality cotton paper. 

 

Olga sent the package from Russia by regular post, and it arrived completely intact and undamaged (thanks to about 253 layers of plastic wrap), with lots of stamps and fun decoration.

Just a few of the numbered prints remain, and interested buyers can acquire them through the Russian Life Online store.

Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals
[INVALID]
[INVALID]

Some of our Books

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

Fish
February 01, 2010

Fish

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

Bears in the Caviar
May 01, 2015

Bears in the Caviar

Bears in the Caviar is a hilarious and insightful memoir by a diplomat who was “present at the creation” of US-Soviet relations. Charles Thayer headed off to Russia in 1933, calculating that if he could just learn Russian and be on the spot when the US and USSR established relations, he could make himself indispensable and start a career in the foreign service. Remarkably, he pulled it of.

The Latchkey Murders
July 01, 2015

The Latchkey Murders

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin is back on the case in this prequel to the popular mystery Murder at the Dacha, in which a serial killer is on the loose in Khrushchev’s Moscow...

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

Survival Russian
February 01, 2009

Survival Russian

Survival Russian is an intensely practical guide to conversational, colloquial and culture-rich Russian. It uses humor, current events and thematically-driven essays to deepen readers’ understanding of Russian language and culture. This enlarged Second Edition of Survival Russian includes over 90 essays and illuminates over 2000 invaluable Russian phrases and words.

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955