Brianna Tosswill is a linocut artist who creates from a space of deep empathy and care. Her work embraces viewers/readers and invites them to rest.
Whether it's a collaborative bookwork whose poetry resonates with your soul, or a greeting card that expresses everything you've never had the words for, or an art print that captures a feeling you're craving... whether you add it to your collection or not, this artwork is a gift for you.
Penrose Press is my bookarts practice. That means I sometimes make books, and I sometimes make art objects that give you the reading-feeling without bearing a strong resemblance to the codex format. A book by my definition could be any number of things including a scroll, a bit of folded paper, a table (that's an idea for the future), a weaving, or a memory.
If that's too much to process, just know I make prints via letterpress and linocut. I collaborate with storytellers. I give you something to hold onto while your mind is far away.
You can read more on the Penrose Press Blog:
Since 2019 I've been choosing to embrace my nose-in-book tendencies and as a result, I've made a few really cool reduction linocuts featuring readers. Beyond subject matter, each print aims to capture the specific feelings associated with reading, like
-the mythology of having a whole day to read, sans interruption, without guilt.
-the way reading can become and out-of-body experience
-what would a perfect place to read look like?
Penrose Press started life as an aspiring indie publisher but now it's the umbrella that shelters all of my collaborative efforts. In 2021 I created and launched four new poetic works (including an infinity book, and handmade paper that implores you to embrace our one planet). I recommend signing up for these sweet emails so you don't miss any of them!
This is not the place to find a tongue-in-cheek, funny, let's-make-light-of-our-love kind of greeting card. This is the place to find a card that puts your heart on your sleeve and shares big feelings. If you want to make your mom cry happy tears, or give your best friend a boost from the other side of the country, I've got you.
When I was at the markets last season I heard one thing from collectors over and over again;
"I'm supposed to be shopping for gifts but this is for me!"
I get it. Art is personal! So for everyone who wants to offer that nuanced selection to their loved ones, you can now purchase a gift card ☺
