"Under The Oaks"

How do you make art to commemorate a historic work that has disappeared?

In 1876, Edward Mitchell Bannister became the first known Black artist to win a national award, for his landscape painting “Under the Oaks.” It was purchased and has since gone missing, with no photographic evidence of it. It is possibly his greatest work, and has now become his greatest mystery.

My carved linocut print depicts the back of an old framed canvas, signed “E.M. Bannister 76.” It will be exhibited at Rhode Island College’s Bannister Gallery this fall.

“Under The Oaks.” Linocut. 2025. 12x16”

Tutto Passa

This linocut print illustrates a solitary figure fishing from a sailboat. The clouds above, waves on the surface, and fish below all move around him, but he is still and patient. "Tutto Passa," the Italian phrase meaning “Everything Passes,” is woven into the water below him. It reminds us to enjoy the moment, be persistent, and embrace the transient nature of our experiences.

Review: The End is at Hand

The book has been out for a couple of years, but I was still thrilled to see a new review of my book The End is at Hand. The review is by Carl Abrahamsson of The Fenris Wolf Newsletter, and he thoughtfully describes my research, writing, and linocut illustrations. He says “Perkins draws upon a wide array of sources, from religious texts to scientific studies, creating a swashbuckling tapestry of information that is as informative as it is… depressingly compelling.” That sounds about right!

Please read it here and give his Substack a follow.

New Stencil Portrait

I recently made my first stencil piece in about fifteen years. It’s a fun technique, planning five layers of tone and exploring spray paint textures and gradients.

RAK Art Fest Linocut Stamp

The 13th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival will be at Al Hamra Heritage Village from 31 January to 28 February 2025. If you visit, you can hand-print my linocuts onto your own postcard.

I began by visiting the emirate and photographing the museums, mountains, and historical village by the water. The focal point of my design is the fort, a recognizable landmark and where the festival will open next Friday. To the left is the vintage Land Rover displayed by the souk and visitor center. On the right, there are three figures following the path by the fort walls. The elderly figure represents the past, adult is the present, and the child is the future: a nod to the history of the site while maintaining an active role in the community today and beyond, with events like the art festival.

My carved blocks will be available around the village during the festival, with ink pads and postcards. Printing all five in order will complete the design to create your own linocut print.