The Salmon of Knowledge Print

Collagraph Print by Clare Keys

The Inspiration:

This work is based on the famous story of the Salmon of Knowledge, a story about the great leader of Irish warriors Finn MacCumhaill, it was said that he got all his wisdom by being the first to taste the Salmon of Knowledge. There are variations of the story throughout Ireland and Scotland in some of the very earliest texts, so it was a tale well told around many firesides. The full story can be found HERE

The Process:

Collagraphs are created by building up layers of different textures on a flat surface and varnishing to produce a 'plate'.  This plate is then be used to create one print at a time. Ink is applied by hand, then the plate is covered by Fabriano paper and put through a press. Each print is created by hand, and therefore variations will occur which means that every one is unique. Some of these prints have been finished with silver leaf along the salmon's back. These can be chosen from the drop down menu.

The plates are used for a limited edition of 25 prints and each one has been signed, titled and numbered by the artist.  

A collection of cards featuring the collagraphs and the legend can be found HERE