In and out of the library

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I have been wondering if it is a bit too soon to start promoting the forth coming Whiteknights Studio Trail.  I have been cautious, that is until I had been accepted.  I don’t live in the area; only a half a mile from the much sort after and expensive location that hugs the university’s beautiful campus. To be a part of this studio trail is not a given; the competition is rich and furious (in a good way)

So, delighted that I had been accepted; now that my space has been allocated too, I can make plans.

Over the moon that I will be showing my work alone and in a garage; my art will be truly represented.

Already I am thinking that I will be able to show my inspirational material that I believe is as important as the finished pieces.

In June I will be out of printroom … with my bike I have been wondering if it is a bit too soon to start promoting the forth coming…

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Catch in the Print Room ... blame it on the weather.

Catch in the Print Room … blame it on the weather.

The last three months have been ‘different’ not difficult , although at times I did wonder ‘What am I doing?’ or Where am I going? While, I try not to blame my condition or the weather, I do consider the season and the moon before I think that ‘life’ is difficult, being cruel or that I am crazy. November last year as the days got shorter and low light levels meant I could no longer work in my…

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A new year ...

A new year …

As the new year begins, my diary shows a list of exhibitions and outreach opportunities for months ahead; something I only dreamed of and as they became vital I am filled with dismay. So, January I will spend in the print room and studio preparing for pop up sessions; one in particular for half term at the Reading Museum for children and adults.  This is ‘good’ opportunity to show  my printing…

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get on yer bike … Yesterday, I told you about my recent embroidery works; that began as a way to spend time when not in my studio. 

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Not exactly printmaking ...

Not exactly printmaking …

A little under 18 months ago when I returned from Brazil I had an idea that I might use some coffee sacks in a ‘work of art.’  Although I had seen various uses of the oft discarded pieces of hessian I wasn’t entirely sure what I was going to do. I did see in market in Rio, a stall that sold rather lovely table clothes and napkins that had been from recycled coffee sacks; a revival of a task…

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New Term ...

New Term …

Although, I have been working in my printroom daily since I retired earlier this year, I have not posted much to my blog.  Instagram proved to be a better place at the time for spontaneity. However, since taking a month’s holiday I have decided both sites have a use and I will try and post regularly to my blog as it does allow for a more balanced narrative.  As artists we know that life is not…

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… a bit of fun For the last few weeks I have had time to play with lino cutting and my Adana press.

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… back to the drawing board … Much has been going on the the print studio these last couple of weeks.  While I have enjoyed myself and happy with the results; there have been some mishaps.

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Now with time to play and practice I have been spending time doing some screen printing; the result of which I will share another day. However, about a year ago after having had one lesson in screen printing at a local college open day; I had a go at home.  It was a disaster and the images have mostly been recycled; but I used one this week in a quick book making exercise … again it will not be prominently displayed on my book case; it is pleasing and offers scope for a much improved version soon.  

rescued from the bin … Now with time to play and practice I have been spending time doing some screen printing; the result of which I will share another day.

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I promised myself that I would post images and brief update of happenings in my studio; since I became a full-time artist.  However, due to promise overload and complications of the mind this hasn’t happened.  That is to say; work has been done beyond expectations but the need to report was lost.  This is a shame; not because I should share but I have not allowed myself to enjoy working for myself so while I am not being paid I am not allowed to congratulate myself either.  

So today I finished an exercise with my Adana press; using my type high linocuts; I have been putting off using metal type as I don’t have enough letters to make much sense; I know this is a feeble excuse.  Nonetheless,  I have enjoyed doing some reduction prints and achieved some editions that will find their way to an exhibition; I am planning for later in the summer. I am not suggesting these are works of art; they are experiments and I am pleased with them.  

A glimpse from the studio … I promised myself that I would post images and brief update of happenings in my studio; since I became a full-time artist.  

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Spending more time in the print room; as I hoped has brought joys and a increased output; but has of course brought more challenges and some failures … but I can live with and that taking the afternoon off and will be back tomorrow …

some you loose … Spending more time in the print room; as I hoped has brought joys and a increased output; but has of course brought more challenges and some failures ... but I can live with and that taking the afternoon off and will be back tomorrow ...

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I have been retired a few days, and already it seems a lifetime; doing things I have not done in months (if ever). Allowing, myself to do things more carefully; things like pegging out the washing; that has been scrubbed to the to Nth degree, watering the garden, speaking to the plants like old friends (and many are) and welcoming the new growth and still finding sycamore seedlings  and bidding them farewell.  All that between teatime one and teatime two!  

Being in the studio daily has been a delight; until now I was only able to do printmaking on Mondays; although I could do preparatory work and other arty things in the evening, but that proved difficult during the winter without natural light.  The weekly delay was ok as I use oil based ink that takes an age to dry; so  the week between was useful.  

So, with this new found time, I am able to practice with different paper, inks and even driers and have a running process to find my style and just have fun.  The only issue is hanging space but is a detail I can live with.  

My Adana hasn’t yet exhausted her possibilities; it is enough to say these first few days; slowing down, spending more time being mindful of the practice has already brought new life and vigor to my work long may it last.  

More time … I have been retired a few days, and already it seems a lifetime; doing things I have not done in months (if ever).

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In 12 working days, my studio will be my place of work.  It (over 50 years) has been a long time coming and mostly I am excited; but part of me is afraid.  I have been making art for years and enjoyed it; but I dread the performance.  While,it was a hobby and the becoming an artist a dream, all was well but as the reality looms have I become afraid.  I am trying to keep the fears at bay; at the weekend I began a small edition of a reduction linocut; using type-high lino and my Adana Press; looking a little like Rothco :-)  I am tempted to take the easy option and leave them as they are.

Not long now …. In 12 working days, my studio will be my place of work.  It (over 50 years) has been a long time coming and mostly I am excited; but part of me is afraid.  

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Call for printed works on paper ...

Call for printed works on paper …

To mark the centenary year of Virginia Woolf and the Hogarth Press and mark their contribution to printing, art, literature and book culture; the University of Reading called for local artists to submit letterpress and hand-printed works; to an exhibition that will coincide with an display of Hogarth Press materials at Special Collections from June to September 2017 and during the annual…

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Catch up ... in the print-room and elsewhere ...

Catch up … in the print-room and elsewhere …

These last 4 days have been busy and wonderfully creative.  Friday, began with a poetry workshop; while it was not for beginners as I perhaps hoped; I was catapulted into nice place where I might move forward. I will not set the literary world alight; but  I will be able to use my words in my work comfortably and without shame. Saturday, I opened the Yellow Teapot Cafe with my friends to welcome…

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An image carefully disguised as a book … or not? For the past few weeks I have been attending some book binding workshops at the London Centre of Book Arts and the results so far have been above and beyond my expectations.This is good but I don’t want to be a book binder.  

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Happy Year of the Rooster … Just trying some new found skills in book making;  bound some pieces of waste, sketches and added some haiku ... nice way to spend a Saturday morning ....