“Lazy Lino is an experiment to keep DJ Lazy Dave (aka David Sands), a screen sensitive, chronic migraine sufferer since 2019, away from TV, phone and laptops.“
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Lazy Dave is a lino print artist based in Washington, Tyne and Wear. UK
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In November 2019 I got my first ever migraine which has lasted to this day without a pain free moment! At the time I didn’t know what was happening as the first symptom was extreme double vision. Then, when that dissipated, I was left with a feeling of constant eye strain.
In June 2020, a full 7 months since my first symptoms began, I was diagnosed with chronic migraine. By that point I had also realised that I was extremely screen sensitive and my head had been allowed to become much worse without any treatment.
Fast forward to May 2021. I was browsing instagram and I came across a post from Jim Moir, otherwise known as the surreal comedian Vic Reeves. He had posted a video where he was backstage with some linocut blocks and was doing a quick demo on how to print. I was immediately hooked.
I started thinking about how this was the closest I could get to graphic design, which I studied at Teesside University, without having to look at a screen. Also, and perhaps more importantly, if I chose intricate designs, it would take me a long time to carve the lino and keep me away from the lure of screens!!
My birthday was at the end of May and my brother, Jon, asked me what I wanted. Obviously the answer was a lino printing starter kit.
I soon bought myself a pfeil cutting tool, as I knew the cutting tools in the starter kit weren’t really cutting it (pun intended, sorry). Then I started my first lino print based on one of my favourite photos that I’ve ever taken, the underside of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia. I knew the amount of girders and rivets would take me a long time to cut out and got to work. When it finally came time to printing, I really wasn’t sure how it would turn out, if i’d wasted my time or if this was going to be a quick fad.
I inked up the block, placed my paper on top, rubbed my baren over the back, peeled the paper back and…
…magic.
That feeling when I pull the paper back for the first time to see what I’ve created still hasn’t left me and I hope it never does!
I soon realised that I may be on to something and even if this never turned into a full-time profession, at least that feeling of self worth, which had been sorely lacking due to not being able to work, was returning.
I now work when my head allows, which can be frustrating but it feels great to be doing something constructive again. Even if I can’t dedicate as much time to cutting and printing as I really would like to.
I create prints that interest me and I usually get my inspiration when I’m out and about or from old photographs. From gritty city scenes to countryside landscapes, local culture and history to images I’ve found when travelling.
I really hope you enjoy my prints as much as I enjoy creating them and thank you for taking the time to check my website out.
Lazy Dave
