Reduction Print
There’s so much to discover about common milkweed:
Not only its young shoots are edible in spring, offering a fresh, natural snack but also its pods that look and taste like cucumbers. Through summer, its vibrant flowers not only add beauty but play a crucial role in supporting monarch butterflies by providing them with nectar and a place to lay their eggs. Without milkweed, monarchs would struggle to survive.
Come fall, the seeds develop those soft, silky fibers. The tiny parachutes are helping the seeds float away on the wind. These fibers aren’t just fascinating; they’re also practical, used as a vegan, sustainable alternative to down in insulation.
Even more impressive is the plant’s fibers, which can be processed into paper! This is highlighting the milkweed’s versatility beyond what most people realize!
This plant’s resilience, usefulness, and quiet beauty inspire me deeply.
All my artwork is handmade and original with a mix of limited and open edition linocut prints. I design, carve, press and pull the prints in my studio in the Laurentides, Canada.
Please note: Because of its handmade nature there may be tiny variations to the picture. Be this colour, evenness of ink or other small differences.
