ARTIST STATEMENT

I studied printmaking at university and loved being in the print room finding out what worked and what didn’t. After completing the fine art degree, I immediately had two exhibitions showcasing my work. That was over twenty years ago and now I’m back in a printmakers studio enjoying the process.

Drypoint Etching: My work always begins with a drawing, a really loose, sketchy drawing and after lines are transferred onto an etching plate the inking begins. Combining mark making with flat monochrome colour can produce the effect of texture, light and shade and tonal depth. This lends itself to the subject matter I’m interested in: woodland trees, rocky crags and cliffs.

Reduction Linocut: Although I love etching, I also love using plenty of colour and lino offers that but it’s a completely different way of working. The process has to be thought through from start to finish. I usually have 4 colour ways, so four colour charts of each image are drawn out before using this method. Places are a huge source of inspiration for me. I find that light and shadow create atmosphere and add an extra dimension to my work.