Monday 27 July 2015

WITHOUT BORDERS

Yesterday saw the opening of a really interesting exhibition organised by the Gloucestershire Printmaking Co-Op at the Museum in the Park, Stroud.
Without Borders does what it says, shows a series of works from the South West from artists using printmaking in unexpected ways.
It was a very convivial occasion,
with people really concentrating on the work being shown, but there was a great deal to look at.
The thing that struck me was how many collagraphs or collagraph derived work was shown. Jane Walker: Presli Fragments- Collagraph Plates.
An interesting set of multiples. Emily Lucas
Collagraphs embedded in resin.  Cath Bloomfield
A collagraph construction. Sandra Porter
I particularly enjoyed this piece with the stoned backed enamel element. Anthony Lloyd
This is also by Anthony Lloyd.
Artists book work feature large in this show. Zoe Heath.
3D screen prints by Jane Sasanow.
Paper clay spoons. Pamela Bowden
Anthea Millier.
Maxine Relton.
Peter Collins
Andrew Seaby
This well displayed group of 
Artists books certain takes several looks at.
Tricia Torrington.
These were my offerings to the exhibition, digital
and screen printed transfers
on etched steel.
Once again the Museum in the Park, Stroud have done an excellent job displaying this varied collection as a cohesive group. There is plenty to see in this exhibition, I have missed out quite a few beautiful pieces, I know I will have to go back to see it again.

Monday 20 July 2015

ART IN ACTION: WHERE THE FUN IS INTENSE!

It has been an ambition of mine for many years to be part of the Printmakers tent at Art in Action. this is the year that I was invited to demonstrate.
4 days of showing the public how I make my work starts with spending a day setting up.
Art in Action is an incredible mixture of practical making, from painting to wood carving.
Around every corner there are monumental examples of creative talent.
The setting up is the calm before the storm.
The Printmaking tent was an exciting place to be, working alongside the lino cuts of Ian Phillips
the intriguing techniques of Helen Murgatroyd,
the vibrant screen prints of Hannah McVicar,
Richard and Beatrice fascinated the public with the traditional technique of letterpress
My stand neighbour, Fred Mutebi, flooded the tent with rich colours. 
Just behind me, where we could share the event experience was the lovely Debby Mason with her velvety mezzo tints.
Jason Hicklin showing smoky atmospheric etchings and Robin Mackenzie showing exquisite wood engravings made up our merry band of 9 printmakers ready for action!
We were all guided and kept on task by an experienced printmaker herself and a regular to Art in Action Laura Boswell together with Ben Boswell, they looked after and  pampered our egos, everything ran smoothly thanks to this dynamic duo.
The tent flaps opened on Thursday morning, from then on it was
talk, talk, talk.
I am always surprised how many have never come across collagraphs, but I met some lovely people who seemed to enjoy listening to me explain what I have been doing the last few years!!
But even though it was an intense 4 days, we did find time to socialise.
Art in Action put on an amazing banquet to thank the demonstrating artists for their efforts,
and I think
a good
time was
had by all?
Art in Action on the whole is run by volunteers , it is an extraordinary event that aims to inspire people to get creative and a privilege to have been part of this year. Thankyou to everyone who came to see me, the printmakers who made the 4 days fly by with laughter, Ben and Laura who worked tirelessly to make our tent the inspirational space it became and Art in Action organisers for always making the event successful for the artists they invite. 

Wednesday 8 July 2015

PREPARATION IS ALL!


This time next week I will have installed my work and work space into a tent in the middle of a field at Waterperry, Oxfordshire. Yes...Art in Action is now only a week away!
I have spent the last few days sorting out what to take, but more important than the work is the preparation for demonstrating how I make my work.
So I have been feverishly drawing ideas ready to make into collagraph plates in front of the public. I have 3 new large pieces ready to make and
several small birds on cotton reels and bulldog clips to play with. As you can see I just could not wait to start this plate.
I will have 4 glorious days of making work. I am taking sketch books for people to look through and

plates so that it is possible to see where my work comes from.
I am looking forward to explaining what a collagraph is and meeting 
printmaking enthusiasts keen to share ideas and techniques.