WV State Capitol Print

This original linocut print was made to represent one of the most iconic and striking buildings in West Virginia located in the state's capitol city of Charleston. The massive structure was constructed in three stages from 1924-1932 and cost approximately ten million dollars to build. The entire exterior dome is gilded with 23 1/2 karat gold leaf. The architect, Cass Gilbert, liked his design so well, he reused part of it for the U.S. Supreme Court. Many people do not know that it is the tallest building in the state at 292 feet high. Overall, the Capitol building is extremely special to the mountain state and the citizens of West Virginia.

The printed area of the linocut is approximately 11.5 by 17 on 12 by 18 white printing paper. Linocuts are handmade original prints, carved from one block or several blocks of linoleum with the help of sharp knives of different sizes. The actual cutting is like sculpting; the direction, strength, and even depth of the cut all contribute to the final image. All linocuts are inked by hand. For each one I print, I need to ink the plate again, which also means there can be small differences from print to print.