Print Exchange 2026: Sanvi Pathak

My artwork is based on a cat, an animal that I associate with independence and attitude. The cat is a subject of self-significance as it illustrates self-reliance and observation, qualities I relate to in life. To develop my composition, I used a strong profile for the cat. The viewer’s attention directly goes to the animal’s expression. A high contrast between positive space (the cat’s face) and negative space (the carved background) was used to further illustrate attitude and mood. The sharp ears and wide eyes were chosen to communicate the cat’s natural nature. I took inspiration from many print artists who emphasised bold outlines. Like these artists, I focused on using clear lines to shape the cat, letting the areas of black and lime green guide the viewer’s eye across the artwork. Through this work, I communicate not just a cat but a representation of independence and observation.

Through creating my print, I learnt a lot about printmaking and what makes a print successful. I discovered that, in order to get a consistent print, rolling the ink onto the block with some pressure achieves the desired result. Experimenting with different carving tools helped me understand how line thickness can affect the final look. My print was successful as I was able to create a strong contrast, which draws the attention of the viewer’s eye to the cat’s expression. Overall, the process has taught me that it takes time to get the hang of printing.