I started printmaking about 10 years ago.  Previously I spent many years creating textile pieces.  Pattern and texture are common in both areas and I look for these when I am out and about both in natural and man-made environments.  I use my camera to capture scenes I find compositionally interesting or natural forms with especially beautiful textures.  I use parts of these images as a base for my compositions – sketching until I have something I like.   I also am interested in abstracting from my sketches to move away from something identifiable but to retain something about the feeling I had when composing the piece.

I used lino to produce my first printed image and have been attending courses and creating my own pieces since then using a mixture of processes such as lino, woodcut, collagraphy, monoprint and drypoint.  I am fascinated by the way that multiple layers of colours on a plate can produce new colours and unexpected parts of the composition can become more interesting by overlaying.  I never cease to love the reveal as the paper comes away from the printed plate – sometimes the piece exceeds expectations but not often enough!

Producing a printed piece combines different skills such as sketching, composing, using cutting or etching tools, preparing beautiful paper and choosing colours of ink which I find completely absorbing and continually testing.  Within the printmakers community I have found encouragement, a willingness to share advice and ideas and the feeling that it is a continual learning journey no matter how far you’ve already come. 

I have exhibited at Ochre Print Studio, Harvey Gallery and The Mill Gallery (Elstead) and at an art-in-the-workspace exhibition (Clyde & Co), all in Surrey. I am very interested in mixing media and print techniques - finding a way to integrate a number of processes that interest me into one piece. There will never be a time when I have finished……