Block Printing

Block Printing

Block printing is a huge part of Pakistani culture, dating back to the earliest methods of printmaking in South Asia. I find the labour of carving out the block, mixing fabric paint, rolling it onto the block, and printing onto the fabric to be a beautiful and meaningful process that I deeply enjoy. Block printing has always been a way for me to connect with my culture and merge my Canadian identity with my Pakistani traditions.


Tree in Heaven

Tree in Heaven - Block Printing Close Up

Tree in Heaven - Hand Carved Linoleum Block

This dress is titled “Tree in Heaven.” The print is inspired by the meaning of my name ”Tooba,” an Arabic name that translates to Tree in Heaven.