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Nicole Soden is a printmaker based in the Dandenong Ranges, working under the name Up the Hill Art. She specialises in linocut printmaking, with a practice grounded in sustainable art methods that prioritise eco-friendly materials and mindful processes.
Inspired by travel, the natural world and the quiet poetry of everyday life, Soden’s linocuts capture intimate moments using bold, tactile line and strong graphic composition. Her work reflects a deep respect for the environment and an attentiveness to place.
Through her practice, Soden invites viewers to slow down, reconnect with nature, and notice the simple details that often pass unnoticed.
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“This linocut print explores the quiet beauty of everyday life through the simple arrangement of a plant in a round glass bowl and a cup beside it. The work reflects my ongoing interest in domestic still life as a subject that invites attention to the overlooked details of daily living.
“The bold contrasts of black and white inherent in linocut lend the piece a strong graphic presence, while the carved textures introduce movement and energy. Each cut of the gouge both defines and abstracts the leaves, water, and glass, balancing clarity with suggestion. I am drawn to this tension between precision and imperfection—the way the hand-carved mark records both intention and chance.
“The composition emphasises the interplay between organic growth and human-made objects: living leaves reaching outward against the contained form of the vessel, the small glass echoing its shape. Shadows and light are simplified into bold areas, creating rhythm across the surface.
“Working in this medium also connects to my commitment to sustainable art practices. Linocut, with its reuse of tools and minimal waste, offers a way to make work that is environmentally mindful while rooted in tradition.
“Ultimately, this print is about pausing to notice beauty in small, ordinary things. A plant on a table becomes not just decoration, but a subject worthy of contemplation—an emblem of the quiet resilience and elegance present in everyday surroundings”
Nicole Soden, 2025.
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Shipping to anywhere in Australia is $30 for this work. International shipping is available on request.