Rakish Ruffs

"Rakish Ruffs" is part of an ABC series of limited edition prints celebrating queer critters in the animal queendom. Printed in five colors, the illustrations are reduction linocuts with handset wood and metal type. Letterpress printed with oil-based inks on 100% cotton Reich Savoy, each print measures 13 x 19 inches. This signed and numbered edition of 40 prints includes a description: Ruffs are migratory wading birds predominantly ranging across northern Eurasia. Ruffs have three genetically distinct kinds of males with different appearances, behaviors, and sexual strategies. A super enzyme breaks down testosterone to create these morphs. Same-sex courtship and mounting occurs among all males and females. Queer Tails is a collaboration with illustrator Audra Laymon, researcher sweet pea, and printer Jessica Spring produced at Springtide Press with support from the Tacoma Artists Initiative Project.