“I am a printmaker and photographer living and working in Cornwall. Since graduating from Marine and Natural History Photography at Falmouth University in 2020 I have continued with my printmaking practice from my studio in Falmouth.”
How did you or your organization get into printmaking?“I have been taking photographs since I was ten years old, however it was at university
that I discovered a love of printmaking. I attended a range of printmaking workshops in
my first term and really enjoyed the tactility of the process and how it allowed me to
combine my background in photography with my love of craft. I became particularly
interested in photo etching which I continue to specialise in today.”
“An innate love for the natural world has always been at the forefront of my inspiration.
This is extended through to my practise where I aim to encapsulate the solace that
nature can bring us by documenting its different shapes, textures and forms. I
predominantly use the printmaking technique, photo etching. A continuance of my
meticulous observational and photographic process, each etching is carefully printed by
hand using my Gunning Etching press, making every outcome unique.”
How do you plan to take your artwork forward?“In my studio I have an ideas board and notebooks filled to the brim with ideas for future work! I would love to explore the capabilities of my press further by incorporating different printmaking techniques into my artwork as well as producing work of a larger scale. I think my art will always focus on the natural world and our human connection to it as it’s a topic I am so deeply engaged with. There is a never–ending abundance of inspiration that can be found outside, so I don’t think I will ever be out of new ideas! I am looking forward to developing these further to create and share meaningful and relatable works.”
“I received rave recommendations from friends who also have a Gunning Etching press
and most of the printmakers I follow and admire online also seem to have this press too. After speaking to Jenny and Ellie it seemed like the perfect choice for me! It has the power of the old traditional presses I was used to working with at university, but without the high expense and bulkiness! It fits perfectly in my little home studio and it has really helped me to continue with my practise post– uni.”
“I really love the gears on my press, which was an addition recommended to me by Jenny. It allows me to roll my plates through the press really smoothly and with little exertion, helping me create super clean prints!”
“It doesn’t, yet. I will get on that right away!”
“I would say to definitely get in touch with Jenny, Ellie and the team at Ironbridge. They
were so useful in answering all of my questions and helping me find the right fit for my
printmaking needs. Chatting to them helped me understand some of the requirements I
didn’t even realise I had. The level of customer service is second to none, and even after
purchasing my press they have been more than happy to answer my additional queries
about printmaking materials etc!”
To see more off Sophie’s work you can find her on emails at hello@sophietwining.com, instagram at @sophietwining or browse her website.
Thank you for reading!
Happy Printmaking!
All the best,
Ellie & The Team!
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@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
