On the Surface

On the Surface is a lino-cut pattern-design project inspired by artifacts at the National Museum of Scotland. I visited three exhibition rooms—Making and Creating, Animal World, and Living Lands—to sketch objects directly from the displays. Based on observational sketches, I designed 4 patterns using the mirroring technique: each design begins as a single basic motif, then repeats symmetrically across the page to form a seamless pattern.

The first design captures mythological and spiritual symbols from Living Lands, evoking native connections to earth and sky. The second, also drawn from Living Lands, celebrates organic harmony through circular, symmetrical shapes. The third pattern design—selected for the final work to be printed—combines delicate details from 20th-century studio artifacts in Making and Creating, weaving multiple artisan elements into one motif.

This design was hand-carved in lino and printed multiple times on a larger sheet, letting the relief process’s tactile lines and inky textures resonate with the original artifacts.

Through On the Surface, I explored how historical objects can be reinterpreted and how the material form of lino-cut printmaking reimagine museum heritage as living, tactile patterns.