Studio revamp

The studio is undergoing something of a transformation at the moment. I’ve been using it for about four years now; it’s a lovely space and I feel very privileged to have it but as I slide further into middle age, I find I’m struggling with the lack of natural light in there. My eyesight seems to be deteriorating exponentially and etching plates are particularly difficult to work on in poor light.

 

So, having had a good clear out (the studio was stuffed full of chicken paraphernalia from over the winter and generally in a total mess), I removed some of the shelving and racks on the walls and am in the process of painting them white. I’m about a third of the way done so far – painting brick is a slow process – but already I’m noticing a difference.  The next job is to have the place completely rewired with more sockets and lighting added. After that, I shall investigate some sky lights which is what will really transform the place. So, watch this (creative) space.

ImPrint: it’s up!

 Yes indeed, the work is hung, the official opening had, the wine drunk and even a few prints and cards sold. The show comprises a diverse range of work by ten members of the Red Hot Press Artists’ Group and one of the studio directors: linocuts, card cuts, wood engravings, wood cuts, collagraphs, mono prints, gum transfer prints, drypoint, etchings and aquatints. All print life is here – well, most of it anyway. Certainly we covered most of what Red Hot Press is able to offer facilities for, the one exception being screen printing.

As a group, we’ve only been meeting just over a year, so it was an ideal opportunity to celebrate what we’ve been working on over that time; and having a deadline to work towards is always a good motivator. It was great to see the end products of projects we’d watched develop over the last few months, all of which were of a very high standard. A thoroughly satisfying first outing for the Artists’ Group.

A Room for a View: The Artist's Studio

Other artists' studios are fascinating so I found this very interesting programme about artists' studios on Radio 4 this week so gripping I had to listen three times. To be fair, the first time was in the car on the way home so I came in half way through, and the second time was in bed. It was getting on for midnight, so I dozed off and heard only the first half. Third time lucky... Well worth a listen on BBC iPlayer if you get a chance. It's available forever so no danger of missing it.

The presenter, Susan Aldworth, is a printmaker (even better!); she talks to, amongst others, Hossein Amirsadeghi about his new book Sanctuary, a photographic record of his visits to over hundred British artists in their studios. And their cats and dogs. I now need to get hold of a copy.

A Room for a View: The Artist's Studio

New year, old project? Aging year, finished project

'Roll on civvy life'

Finished this a couple of weeks ago so it's framed and all ready to go, along with my Korean roof tile. I took the latter to a different framer this time - one I've not used before. It's always the same conversation though...
 
Me: 'I'd like a plain, light wood frame please, and a mount as close as possible to the colour of the paper I've printed on.'
Framer: 'That does absolutely nothing for the print - how about this frilly gold frame?'
Me: (slightly irritably) 'It's not really supposed to; it would distract from the image.'
Framer: 'We'll have to agree to disagree on that one. I'll just try this red frame...'

There's a dragon tap-dancing on my roof

 

ImPrint

We have our flyers - really pleased with them. Good work Tim and Maureen.

Just over a week to go now until we hang the show and there's lots to organise, especially for the opening.