Bicycle Linocut

bicycle linocut

Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel … the picture of free, untrammeled womanhood.

Susan B. Anthony

Ever since my first bicycle as a kid, I have loved riding a bicycle. This Susan B. Anthony quote really rings true for me. I feel that freedom when I am moving on two wheels. International Women's Day was March 8, and I never realized how the bicycle was one of the symbols in the women's movement of late 19th century.

According to National Women's History Museum:

Bicycles came to symbolize the quintessential “New Woman” of the late 19th century. The “new woman” was the feminist ideal during the Progressive Era, a time of great social and cultural change for women. The image of the new woman reflected many of the new opportunities for careers and education that were opening up for them. The “New Woman” was deemed to be young, college educated, active in sports, interested in pursuing a career, and looking for a marriage based on equality. She was also almost always depicted on a bike!

detail of bicycle linocut

This bicycle linocut is based on a photo I took of an old bike I had when I was living in California.
The linocut is 3 inches height by 4 inches width on a 5 x 7 120 weight printmaking paper.



What do you like doing that gives you a sense of freedom?

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