OCTOPUSES are a recurring muse of December’s Artist of the Month Ashley Doke whose high-contrast linocut prints are featured in her exhibit at the library. (Emily Klesaris Photo)
By EMILY KLESARIS
NORTH READING — The December Artist of the Month at the Flint Memorial Library is North Reading’s own Ashley Doke. A third generation North Reading resident, Ashley is no stranger to the Flint Memorial Library. She teaches art for kindergarten through fifth grade at the Batchelder Elementary School and is the co-curriculum chair of the Art Department. Ashley studied art education at Salem State University, where she later received her master’s degree.
The high-contrast prints on display at the library are made through linocut printmaking. The process includes creating a design, carving it into a linoleum or woodblock, rolling ink onto the block, and printing the design onto paper, similar to a stamp. Through this process, a printmaker can produce many prints from a single design, like other types of printmaking. Everywhere there is negative space in a print is where the block has been carved out.
Ashley’s art on display is spooky and whimsical, mostly depicting extraordinary creatures such as ghosts, monsters, skeletons, and octopuses. Viewers will notice octopuses are a recurring muse of hers. Her fascination with octopuses stems from their beauty and intelligence, but also their deadliness. Blue-ringed octopuses in particular are a favorite. Though her main focus is linocut printing, she experiments with other mediums such as photography, watercolors, and drawing in addition to her printmaking.
Ashley’s work will be on display at the library through December. For more information about the artist visit: ashleydokeart.etsy.com. You can also find her at her next “Sip & Carve” workshop at local breweries in the area.
