Here be Dragons

Tarragon, a limited edition, linocut print, is shown above with Wild Ramps, Blue & Taupe wallpaper.

The idea for Tarragon, my newest linocut print, took root in 2024, the Year of the Dragon. Last winter, during the Lunar New Year’s celebrations, I had dragons on my mind. As I often have plants on my mind, I decided to see if there was a connection between the two. This is how I learned that the scientific name of tarragon, a fragrant herb best known for its role in béarnaise sauce and vinaigrettes, is Artemisia dranunculus: Latin for “little dragon herb.” The moniker is said to refer to tarragon’s coiled roots.

Saint Liphard and the Dragon, the Grand Heures of Anne of Brittany, 1503-1508. Public domain.

Intrigued, I spent time researching tarragon and dragons. While I was able to find tarragon in my local grocery store, dragons were more elusive (even here in New York City!). However, I did find compelling dragon illustrations in books of hours, medieval Christian prayer books. These images revealed that tarragon and dragons have more than sinuous curves in common. Tarragon’s leaves and dragons’ fins are long and pointed as though they share a family tree. These common traits inspired me to create a linocut in which a dragon’s tail graduates into a voluminous and leafy tarragon plant.

To make the print, I used a reduction printmaking technique. This approach consists of using the same block and removing surface area in between each printing pass. Colors layer on top of each other to complete the image.

Made with water-based inks and acid-free, 100% cotton paper, Tarragon measures 13" x 17."

Tarragon is a limited edition of 35 prints, and is available for purchase on our website.