Hi. I’m the
Lynn behind Lynn-oleum.
I’m an artist and linocut printmaker based in Eureka, California. Since childhood, I have always enjoyed making things with my hands. Like a beloved pair of worn-in jeans, the art I create feels both familiar and down-to-earth; celebrating the joy of ordinary things.
Linoleum block printmaking is a process that requires meticulous attention to detail, and a patient partnership with the vintage tools of my craft. I first fell in love with carving linoleum blocks in 1999, during an internship with Berkeley artist David Lance Goines. The “handcraftedness” and the texture within the solid color of linoleum block prints spoke to me. Now, if I had to pick one thing to do for the rest of my life, it would be hand carving linoleum blocks.
I began acquiring my own printing equipment in 2003, and started creating letterpress and original linocut print art under the name Just My Type Letterpress. Over the past 20 years, my business has shifted and grown. Today, my business does four main things: 1. operate a card and gift store (under the original “Just My Type” name), 2. design and manufacture a line of wholesale goods (under the name Lynn-oleum) 3. print the letterpress portion of the packaging for Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate, and 4. continue to create original, limited edition linocut prints as Lynn M. Jones/Lynn-oleum.
I strongly believe in empowering women, preserving nature, supporting small businesses and encouraging creativity.
At Lynn-oleum, we…
Carve
Linocut printing starts with carving away the unnecessary to uncover the image I wish to create. I love this process, because it feels like a tangible reminder to focus on what is simple and essential.
meticulous linoleum blocks
Create
something everyday
I firmly believe that it is important to create something—anything—every day. I love working with my hands and being engaged in every step of the process. From sketching out an idea for a new piece of art, to hand feeding each piece of paper through the printing press, the joy is in the process of creating.
Connect
In the art I create and the way I show up as a business owner and maker, I strive to make the world a little kinder. Art has a powerful way of bringing people together and uplifting the voices of those who have been silenced. The art I love to make connects us all to the joy, humor, and quirkiness of the human experience.
people through art
I’m honored to have my artwork featured or recognized. If you’d like to share or showcase my art or my story, don’t hesitate to reach out. Please send me an email so we can connect at lynn@lynnoleum.com
Awards & Press
GCA Louie Finalists
Everyday Boxed Set “Darker Things”
Get Well/Feel Better (above $5) “Lighthouse-Here for You”
Artist of the Year
2022
Stationery Trends Magazine
Winter Issue, Ten Designers to Watch in 2022
2022
NY Now Summer Show Finalist
Best Product in Gift+Stationery “Tried to Bury Us-Seeds”
2021
GCA Louie Winners
Everyday Boxed Set “Hug Series”
Trends & Events “Tried to Bury Us-Seeds”
2021
GCA Louie Finalists
Blank Card “Cat Full Length”
Religious (not Christmas) “Happy Hanukkah Folk”
Birthday (Small Company) “Birthday Bear”
2021
Eureka Chamber of Commerce
Small Business of the Year
2021
City of Eureka
Business of the Month (August)
2019
City of Eureka
Artist of the Month (December)
2019
Victor Jacoby Award
$10,000 prize given by Humboldt Area Foundation
2016
Communication Arts
Award of Excellence, Illustration Annual, Book Series for contributing illustrations to ‘Chez Panisse Café Cookbook.’
2000
Ingrid Nickelsen Award
$1,000 prize given to one woman artist annually in Humboldt County, California
2023
GCA Louie Finalists (winners to be announced April 16)
Blank Card (above $5.50) “Squirrel Birthday”
Christmas/Seasonal Humorous (above $5.50)
“Happy Holidays Deep Breath”Religious Celebration (not Christmas) (above $5.50)
“Menorah Love & Light”
2024