DGA Faces #01 Linocut expert Julia Herfurth

In conjunction with the upcoming linocut workshop at the DGA, we’d like to launch the series »Faces Behind the Printmaking Studio«, in which we’ll gradually introduce the artists who create amazing work here.

Julia Herfurth, our guest workshop leader and linocut expert, will be the first to speak.

Portrait of Julia Herfurth by Gözde Güngör

Julia Herfurth works in the field of drawing and printmaking (etching, linocut) and as a project coordinator for various exhibition and event projects.

Website: https://www.julia-herfurth.de/

What characteristics of linocut make it your favorite technique?

What I’m particularly interested in about linocut is the stylization of the motifs, the elimination of unnecessary details or nuances. You have to focus on the essentials.

I also really like thinking about the possibilities of the tools. This doesn’t mean transferring a line drawing 1:1 to a lino plate, but rather creating patterns/structures/a sense of depth by using different linocut knives and cutting directions.

Herfurth Julia, Goldlockenspitzzehmaki ROT, 2022, 14,8 × 10,5 cm, Linocut

Where do you get your inspiration for motifs? Can you recommend any sources?

I find many motif ideas on long walks or trips. I often take snapshots with my phone, then create drawings and then the linocuts.

Regarding the versatility of the technique, I look at linocuts or woodcuts by artists such as: Thomas Klipper, Franz Masereel or Clément Moreau. The variety of techniques is evident in their works. I’m also very interested in the content of the themes explored by these artists.

Of course, there are also many galleries and shops in Berlin that display or sell prints by Berlin artists, e.g. Neurotitan in Haus Schwarzenberg or the Serigraffeur Galerie.

Herfurth Julia, Storch, 2022, 14,5 × 21cm, Linocut

Which artists in the linocut genre do you find particularly interesting?

In addition to the artists mentioned above, I follow contemporary artists on Instagram, e.g.

I also follow the program of the Leipziger Lubok Verlags, which publishes beautiful artist books and the gallery’s program Thaler Originalgrafik in Leipzig and the artists shown there. If you want to learn more about contemporary printmaking, I recommend the podcast »Hello, Print Friend«.

In the series »DGA Faces« we gradually introduce the artists working here. In this way, we share the concentrated printing knowledge of the studio with you digitally too!