“I have a keen interest in the relationship between printmaking and photography. My work explores the impact of light in both architectural and organic contexts; whilst being created by a process that is itself dependent on light exposure. I work predominantly with photopolymer etching plates which allow me to produce textures and detail with continuous tones and rich blacks. As an educationalist I have a love of buildings of historic or educational significance. Places that celebrate or house collections that both inform and educate.”
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If you have read to the bottom of this blog you are entitled to a free gift, please email Jenny@IronbridgefineArts.co.uk with your preferred printing Relief or Intaglio to claim. Postage of £6.99 will still apply.
“I am a learning and development consultant for the banking industry by profession, having studied languages at university. None of that was art-related was it?! I would love to make printmaking my profession, but I haven’t yet taken that plunge. Mainly down to the dread of not being able to pay the mortgage, but also because I use art as my creative outlet, a passion and way for me to unwind at the end of stressful day.
As long as I can remember, I have always needed to express myself through art and I have often turned to it throughout my life as a way of clearing my mind, celebrating the beauty around us and recalibrating. I didn’t always have the time to do it as much as I wanted, as having children and a full-time job took over a bit. Now, aged 42, I think I have realised that I need to make time for it. “
“I never went to art college, but I have loved lino printing since the age of 14, when I first tried it out at school. My very first lino was a 3-stage reduction print of a portrait I had sketched of a handsome chap. I remember being quite excited about the big reveal each time I cut away and printed different colourways. Starting with carving the highlights on his nose, I had no idea how it would turn out, and it was actually rather good! I discovered my brain works quite well for the slightly backwards thought process involved in printmaking. My handwriting is exactly the same backwards and forwards, which tells you how weirdly-wired my brain is!
I explored different printmaking techniques in later life, and discovered the joys of experimenting with drypoint etching, mono-printing and collagraphs, then other types of relief printing, like woodblock and using found objects. Most recently, original print collage has really opened up my eyes to mixed media possibilities. Last year I finally made the decision to build myself a studio in the garden and get a Gunning Etching press and I haven’t looked back!”
“Playful! Inspired by textures, colours, lines and shapes around me, from nature to architecture, I use whichever technique will best represent the subject, or best express the feeling that the subject evokes in me. I will often sketch or paint first, and then use that as a starting point for my prints. Living in the Essex countryside, the changing landscape through the seasons always provides visual stimulation, as do our 5 cats and regular trips to Cambridge and London.
Using lino, woodcuts, drypoint etching, chine collé and mono-printing techniques, I align the method I use with the vision that I have in my mind and I am constantly experimenting. I really enjoy the visual surprises and interesting graphic qualities that can occur purely by chance through the printmaking process, especially with mono-printing.
I am quite spontaneous and curious with my artwork. Some people might find that odd, as printmaking requires so much process, but for me a lot of the ideas come out through the process. I rarely start out knowing exactly what I will produce at the end, it’s often a wonderful adventure and I still get tingles when I peel back the paper and reveal the final print. “
“I am taking each day as it comes. I have had a hugely productive year, and I wouldn’t want to feel restricted by focusing in on one technique or one subject, which I know is probably what most professional artists would advise me to do. I am lucky that I do not have to earn a living through producing my pieces, so I have the luxury of making whatever I am inspired to create. Sometimes I will see something whilst walking along, for example the beautiful bark of London plane trees, and that will spark off some ideas about potential projects, ruminating in the back of my mind until I am back in the studio. This feeling of liberty and embracing happenstance when printmaking is all part of why I love it so much.”
“On a workshop I went on a few years ago, I used a proper lino press instead of hand burnishing for the first time, and saw how the results are so much more professional. I couldn’t go back to hand burnishing after that. I was using the lino presses and etching presses at the Curwen Study Centre, a half-hour drive away, but I really wanted to have the independence of being able to do all of these things any time of day or night. I did a lot of research when looking into different presses, and I decided NOT to buy a second hand one, as I am a technical novice and needed to know it would work well, and I was keen to have a warranty etc. When looking at the Gunning presses, they seemed perfect for both relief printing and intaglio, there was little to no maintenance involved, and one of the team would come and set it up and show me how to use it. That final bit sold it to me. I have to say, the team were absolutely fantastic. I learned quite a lot on set-up day, and it was so exciting to finally be able to do everything at home.”
“I think it’s the ease with which you can transform its set-up from relief printing to intaglio printing. For relief printing, I have two different sets of runners for different heights of blocks, and then for intaglio it’s all about the blankets. It’s a fabulous press, and I am delighted with it.”
“Ooh, no, but that’s a great idea… I will ask the kids to come up with something! No doubt it will be cat-related….”
“Do it! You only live once, and it will transform how you work. Although beware of losing track of time – I have been known to carry on printing until midnight without realising. Good thing my kids are assertive when it comes to asking for dinner etc!”
“One of my etchings featured in the RBSA Print Prize Exhibition earlier this year, and some of my lino prints are currently featuring in the Mini Print Competition at Southbank Printmakers Gallery in London. I don’t have a shop, but may do in future. Otherwise, I only currently sell to friends and family but you can see my work on Instagram under jennie_merrington_”
“Watch out – printmaking is addictive!”
Instagram: @jennie_merrington_
Thank you for reading!
Happy Printmaking!
All the best,
Ellie & The Team!
Tag us using the Hashtags…
@Ironbridgeprintmakers @Gunningetchingpress #GunningEtchingPresses #GunningEtchingPress #JennyGunningPrintmaker
If you have read to the bottom of this blog you are entitled to a free gift, please email Jenny@IronbridgefineArts.co.uk with your preferred printing Relief or Intaglio to claim. Postage of £6.99 will still apply.
Please could you add any links to your social media sites and websites below?
https://www.instagram.com/jennie_merrington_/
“My name is Jane Spink. I am an artist who likes to work with printmaking techniques.
I’ve loved nature from early childhood and this is the main inspiration for my art. I
work from my 2nd floor home studio in Essex. It’s a fairly small space, but I have a
wonderful view of a windmill! I walk daily in a National Trust owned area close to my
home, where I gather ideas and images to use in my work.”
“I originally trained as a Textile Designer at Art School and focused heavily on surface
decoration, shapes and colour. Many years later, whilst working as an Art Teacher, I
decided to use simple printmaking techniques with my pupils. I loved the process and
the strong, graphic results and decided to use the techniques in my own work. The
rest is history!”
“I like to work with different techniques, including collage, linocut and cyanotype – either separately or together as mixed–media. I also experiment with monotype and
collagraph, but still have much to learn about these techniques! My favourite printmaking technique is linocut as it is a relatively straight foward process and also quite versatile to use. I like to work in small–medium scale and most of my work
depicts birds, insects, mammals and botanical subjects in varying combinations. I enjoy the challenge of fine detail and this often comes across in the pieces I make.”
“I am constantly learning and developing as an artist, refining my skills and
experimenting with new ones. I also enjoy taking photographs and I frequently use
the images I capture as source and inspiration for my prints. I am working to develop
my photography skills which will naturally feed the development of my printmaking.
I have started working more with monotype and collagraph and definitely aim to
develop my use of these processes in my artwork. I am currently writing a book on linocut printing, which I am very excited about! I am really enjoying the challenge of
creating inspiring linocut projects for my readers to learn from and develop their own
skills. The book is due to be published at the start of 2024.”
“I initially hand–burnished all of my linocut prints before I decided to invest in a
printing press. Prior to purchasing my Gunning Etching press, I used a little wooden
book press, and more recently a larger wooden with which I could achieve greater
pressure and make bigger work. However, I have always loved the idea of having a
traditional etching press and because I wanted to work with intaglio processes as well
as lino, this was the perfect reason to take the plunge! After doing some research and
asking other printmakers, I settled on my Gunning press. The No. 1 Etching press (A3
size) is perfect for me with my limited space – by far my best purchase in recent years!”
“This has got to be the lovely turning wheel! It’s so easy to operate smoothly and looks
absolutely wonderful in my studio. I have the press standing in the window and often
catch passers–by staring up at it! I also love the registration bed – so useful and I’m
really glad I asked for this option to be included!”
“I would recommend without hesitation. The presses are wonderful to look at and to
use – and the customer service is second to none! Jenny drove my press all the way
from Shropshire down to Essex and then set it up for me – and a few months later
when I was having a little trouble (due to my own inexperience!), Dave drove down to
Rayleigh and resolved my issues – I really couldn’t ask for more!”
“These are excellent presses and can deal wonderfully with just about any printmaking
processes you wish to throw at them! If, like me, you are new to using an etching
press, please allow some time for the inevitable learning curve. The process of using
an etching press is very different to other presses – but patience will pay off and you
will soon be making amazing quality prints!”
Thank you for reading!
Happy Printmaking!
All the best,
Ellie & The Team!
Tag us using the Hashtags…
@Ironbridgeprintmakers @Gunningetchingpress #GunningEtchingPresses #GunningEtchingPress #JennyGunningPrintmaker
If you have read to the bottom of this blog you are entitled to a free gift, please email Jenny@IronbridgefineArts.co.uk with your preferred printing Relief or Intaglio to claim. Postage of £6.99 will still apply.
“Hi, I’m Alex and I am a printmaker based in Sussex. I mainly work in linocut and create a range of prints inspired mainly by the natural world and the mystery of humankind. From tiny single layer prints, limited editions and more complex reduction prints, it is important to me to create prints for every budget so that everyone has access to owning original artwork.”
“I’ve always had a love of creating and a few years back I attended a part time fine art course and rekindled a love of painting and discovered linocut printmaking. Since then it has really taken on a life of it’s own and I now have a small shop in Steyning, West Sussex as well as online. Currently I am taking a year full time printmaking and painting.”
“My artwork is quite precise and tries to draw together the natural world and us humans. Some of my pieces such as “Scared or Bored” clearly reference the human condition and emotions. Others are more illustrative, such as “The Two Wrens”. A few whilst being a nature print may reference some of my other thoughts on the world in their title such as “A Little More Honesty…”
I love to print using oil based inks on a range of Japanese printmaking papers.”
“Over the year I hope to carry on creating new work and expanding my printmaking into more galleries and shows, whilst building on my lovely loyal following at my shop. I am also going to be starting workshops moving forward.”
“I have looked for a while at getting a press and found the Gunning Press really fitted with what I wanted to achieve with my prints. In a small space the size options were ideal and linocut printing was always featured as part of the use for this press rather than an afterthought.”
“It’s taken a bit of practice and feeling my way with my No 1 press, but it’s really clicked now with my larger prints and it’s a game changer in terms of time, ink and repetitive strain! My favourite feature is the registration bed which makes things so straightforward – and it looks lovely too!”
“She’s called Martha!”
‘I’d say go for it. Great service, good little workshop. I’d probably recommend an upgrade to a round wheel though it’s my one regret!’
“Remember to support all artists, particularly those local to them and to try out printmaking, it’s a great process.”
www.instagram.com/megalilydesign
www.folksy.com/shops/megalilydesign
Thank you for reading!
Happy Printmaking!
All the best,
Ellie & The Team!
Tag us using the Hashtags…
@Ironbridgeprintmakers @Gunningetchingpress #GunningEtchingPresses #GunningEtchingPress #JennyGunningPrintmaker
If you have read to the bottom of this blog you are entitled to a free gift, please email Jenny@IronbridgefineArts.co.uk with your preferred printing Relief or Intaglio to claim. Postage of £6.99 will still apply.
“I’m 52 and live in the Conwy Valley in North Wales. Originally a graphic designer, I ran a successful new media agency for 22 years before moving here from Cheshire. I’m lucky enough to be retired from my ‘day job’ now, so printmaking is something I’m able to concentrate more on these days. I live with my wife and stepdaughter in a beautiful part of North Wales, so there’s plenty of inspiration all around me.”
“I studied Graphic Design at College and Uni, so Printmaking was part of the curriculum. I remember really liking the process, particularly linocut. Which is what I concentrate on now. Plus, the experience I gained in print design in my early career gave me an appreciation of colour separation and art working, which definitely comes into play with my printmaking.”
“I produce short run multi-layer reduction linocut prints. Mainly landscapes, inspired by my own original photographs. I tend to stick to Caligo Safewash inks and print on Somerset papers. I usually aim for between 10 and 20 finished prints.”
“Well up until recently printmaking has been a hobby really, but I’m able to spend more time on it now.”
“I’ve recently started a new series based on stone – standing stones, bolders etc that I’ve come across in the local landscape. The textures are fascinating, and the locations are stunning. I’ve finished one print and working on 2 more right now, with plans for many more. There’s an endless supply of material in the locality.”
“I’d like to get them entered into printmaking exhibitions, and maybe even show them as a series eventually.”
“I’ve also booked a photogravure course with Ironbridge Printmakers. I’ve been interested in it for a while, so it’ll be great to learn something new and expand my printmaking skills with Jenny.”
Why did you feel a Gunning Etching press was the best fit for you and your artwork?“I’d spent a good number of years using a basic wind-down press and a small craft press, which were ok, but I wanted to produce larger prints on a ‘proper’ press. I researched quite a few, but the Gunning press seemed to tick all the boxes and it looks fantastic too.”
“I spent 3 months converting an old wooden stable in my garden to be my studio. It’s a great space and the Gunning press is perfect in there.”
“The massive wheel! It’s so easy to use, and the consistency I can achieve with the press is perfect. I also opted for the stand with wheels, which means I can push the press to one side when not in use, which is also very handy.”
Most printmakers have a name for their press, does your Gunning etching press have a nickname?“Er, not really, haha. I hadn’t thought to do that to be honest, maybe I should think of one now!”
“Just do it, you won’t regret it. Don’t settle for anything inferior, the quality of these presses is excellent.”
To see more off Andy’s work you can find him at…
https://www.artfinder.com/artist/andy-abram
Thank you for reading!
Happy Printmaking!
All the best,
Ellie & The Team!
Tag us using the Hashtags…
@Ironbridgeprintmakers @Gunningetchingpress #GunningEtchingPresses #GunningEtchingPress #JennyGunningPrintmaker
If you have read to the bottom of this blog you are entitled to a free gift, please email Jenny@IronbridgefineArts.co.uk with your preferred printing Relief or Intaglio to claim. Postage of £6.99 will still apply.
Why did you choose to purchase a Gunning Etching press?
“I had done so much research about presses and was feeling a little overwhelmed. When I phoned Ironbridge I spoke to Jenny and she was so warm, friendly and carefully explained all my options from stands, to press size to geared. From that moment I had no doubt that an Ironbridge press was the one for me!”
What’s your favourite feature on the Gunning Etching press?
“I love the fact that I can print both intaglio and relief perfectly on the press. The press is quick and easy to go from printing intaglio to relief.”
How did you or your organization get into printmaking?
“I started printmaking in my early 30’s at the Royal Drawing School in London – and haven’t stopped since. I originate from the flat fens of Lincolnshire where my Dad was a cabbage farmer. Having lived in London for over 20 years I recently relocated to rural Northamptonshire with Miss Marple my mini dachshund where I now concentrate on my printmaking and run print workshops.When I’m not in my studio, I teach printmaking at the Royal Drawing School and on their foundation programme.”
How would you describe your work?
“I specialise in linocuts and etchings. My work tells the stories about my life and travels with my mini dachshund Miss Marple – it features landscapes and quirky animals both real and imaginary. My inspiration comes from many sources – medieval margins and bestiaries, animal prints from the 1800’s, folk art, old children’s books, and real life animals that have something of the unusual about them.”
Does your Gunning etching press have a nickname?
“Yes, she is called Pandora. I asked my Instagram followers to suggest a name, and this is the one I chose.”
What would you say to someone thinking about purchasing a Gunning etching press?
“I always say give them a call and have a chat. Talk through your requirements and see what they suggest. I also always tell them that they can visit Ironbridge and try out the presses too – make a weekend of it as it’s such a magical area!”
Any other comments?
“Finding Ironbridge printmakers has been one of the highlights of my life in the past 2 years. Jenny and Dave have become friends and I can’t recommend their presses highly enough. They are both so passionate about printmaking and their joy shines through everything they do. It’s a very special company, very unique – and if you are a printmaker and want a press then I can’t recommend them highly enough!”
To see more off Sam’s work you can find her on instagram at @sammarshallart or browse her website.
Thank you for reading!
Happy Printmaking!
All the best,
Ellie & The Team!
Tag us using the Hashtags…
@Ironbridgeprintmakers @Gunningetchingpress #GunningEtchingPresses #GunningEtchingPress #JennyGunningPrintmaker
If you have read to the bottom of this blog you are entitled to a free gift, please email Jenny@IronbridgefineArts.co.uk with your preferred printing Relief or Intaglio to claim. Postage of £6.99 will still apply.
Etching Printing Press No. 2
by Gordon Yapp, Royal Birmingham Society of Artists
Etching Printing Press No.1
by Fiona Thomson
