HMS Floaty...press-less printmaking

Hello there,

In the last blog I mentioned that I am trying out some linocutting, as a possible development of my work. Well, The materials came yesterday, and even though my plan had been to get the designs good and ready before printing, I couldn't resist having a little practice...

I don't own a printing press, so I wanted to try printing without one, using a baren to impress the images onto the paper. I've never tried this before, and got it wrong the first few times, but once I realised that the paper needed to be on top of the lino, I was really pleased at how effective it is.

I decided to conserve my supply of lino and start with a reduction linocut (another thing I've never tried before - I like a challenge), which requires only one piece of lino. It's a slightly messier process, as each layer of the picture must be printed before you cut the next one, and it's a bit tricky remembering when to cut what, but it was really exciting watching the image evolve.

Any how, this here is the finished masterpiece: HMS Floaty!

Ok...so it's not a masterpiece - it's not perfect by any means and the design was pretty simple, but as a first try I must say I'm pleased! It's certainly made me very excited about doing more.

I hope you like it too.

Rosie x

New(ish) Year, new plans....

Hello there!

It's a bit belated, but happy new year to everyone. I've been focusing on some of the less exciting aspects of being self employed for the last few weeks (paperwork basically), but am now back to cutting and sticking - hurrah!

First on the list is a commission I have been working on, which will hopefully be finished by the beginning of next week (should've been the end of this week but I had a mount-board ordering mishap). I don't want to give away too much before the intended recipient sees it, so here are a few super close-ups.

This next few weeks are all about development for me. Firstly, I am currently designing some linocuts, and am hoping that this discipline may become a permanent part of my practice. I was inspired in part by the wonderful piece I was given for Christmas, which is by Pam Grimmond. I absolutely love it.

Other inspiration comes from the likes of Angie lewin, Lynne Roebuck and Helen Peyton, who uses a method called Reduction Lino Printing, which I am particularly keen on trying.

The lino is ordered and the drawings are mounting up, so watch this space for results.

I am also developing a website, using an incredibly easy and FREE service called Weebly. I have already got quite far with it but may add a few more pages in before I publish. I'll let you know.

So as you can see, it's all plans plans plans at the moment, so I better get cracking.

Bye!

Rosie x

Happy New Year!

Hello there!

A happy new year to everyone reading this blog. I had a fantastic (if slightly tiring) festive break, travelling to and from the following places in the following order:

York

Masham

Isle of Wight

Farnham

York

Masham

Birmingham

Evesham 

York!

Lots of time in the car, but worth it for Christmas in a new place and lots of time with lovely friends and family.

Anyway, it's back to work time, and unfortunately number one on the jobs list this January is sorting out my first ever tax return. Brilliant! I will be working on some far more exciting and creative projects later on the month, so watch this space.

Have a good Jan...

Rosie x