Gunning press printmakers of the week- Jenny McCabe

This weeks Gunning press printmaker is the fantastic Jenny McCabe who is the winner of our print fest award. Jenny, the owner of a Gunning press Number 2, Based in Lancaster in the Northwest of England she works from her own studio and she also teaches regularly in print rooms around the country.  We sat down with Jenny to understand why she loves printmaking on her Gunning press.

Why did you choose to purchase a Gunning Etching press?

“I have been looking for a press for years that would fit into a domestic space – ie not to heavy. I visited Ironbridge on the off chance whilst visiting my mother who lives in the nearing town of Bridgnorth. I came across Jenny at Ironbridge fine arts and the most gorgeous Gunning Etching press, it was a perfect solution to my needs – a strong large press that can be taken apart easily and is not to heavy.”

What’s your favourite feature on the Gunning Etching press?

“One thing that drew me to the press straight away and will always be my favourite feature on my press is the massive large round wheel it’s so stylish and practical I love it. I would definitely recommend it as an upgrade option”

How did you get into printmaking?

“I studied Printmaking at university in the late 90s and have been printmaking in some way or other since then, I think it’s fair to say I fell in love with printmaking. As an artist and printmaker with over 20 years experience of making and exhibiting work. I am based in Lancaster in the Northwest of England working from my own studio and also teaching regularly in print rooms around the country.”

How would you describe your work?

“I would describe my work as messy, scratchy lines and lively compositions of birds jumping out of the plates, aiming to capture the frantic movement and energy. Mainly with intaglio printmaking methods preferring Collagraph and metal plate etchings. My work always starts with drawing and the technical challenge of turning a simple piece of metal or card into a piece of art. “

Does your Gunning etching press have a nickname?

“She is called Gillian – after Gillian Anderson”

What would you say to someone thinking about purchasing a Gunning etching press?

“The press is a great work horse and perfect for relief of intaglio prints – all the sizes and extras mean you can build a perfect solution for your individual studio – ie with a stand and lockable  wheels or without – affordable prices too compared to other makes.”

“I love my press and it has given me the total freedom to work in my own studio, I only wish I had a larger space and then I could get a Number 4 XL.”

We recently awards Jenny McCabe our Ironbridge award at this years print fest.

“Jenny’s work is original and so striking, her technical ability as a printmaker and her imagery is excellent. She is also prolific in her making and each piece is beautiful in its own right. A brilliant printmaker!” ⁠Said Jenny Gunning

Jenny is fabulous printmake we can’t wait to see more of her work and watch her continue to grow as a printmaker. she is lucky enough to have won £150.00 worth of printmaking materials from ourselves.