My Studio - Printing, Painting & Framing |
Boa Beag - Walking, thinking & drawing |
January God
By Seamus Heaney In the wet gap of the year, Daubed with fresh lake mud, I faltered near his power... Boa Beag
I too falter whenever I visit the strange stone figure on Boa Island. A two headed deity whose worshipers have long since departed and their sacred rituals now forgotten. It is a reminder for me that by looking backwards we may find a way forward. Looking backwards at the way things were done, the tools used, the materials, the skills, the pace and the thinking and then considering if these still have value today and perhaps even a role in the future. I've made an iron representation of this old god complete with antlers. I called it Boa Beag and it guards my studio just in case I ever forget it's message. Looking back to find a way forward
A printmaker has much to gain by keeping the old presses running and also many shiny new tools, technologies, and methods to employ. I'm keen to reduce my studio's environmental impact and have identified way markers along this particular path. The use of hand powered vintage printing presses is one of them. I use these because they suit the way I work and also to keep them oiled and ready for the next generation of artists and printmakers. My Printing Presses
Picture Framing
One of the best decisions I made was learning how to frame pictures. I no longer frame from other artists but still make all of my own frames. I have a separate workshop for my framing equipment. |
Walking & Drawing
I like to think that Boa Beag and all the old ancestors influence the work that I create in some way. The process usually starts with turning possible ideas over in my head while walking the same land that our ancestors walked. The initial idea then takes the form of a rough sketch and takes twists and turns during the platemaking process and then again during the inking and painting stages. It's a much better way to work than having a clear image at the outset as it allows me to react to each stage - this is one of the reasons that I no longer do commissions. Plate Making
I use a number of techniques to create the printing plates. These include drypoint engraving, carving lino blocks, and assembling collagraphs. I've also been experimenting with laser engraving. Type I use letterpress type to add text to an image. I have a collection of old metal and wooden type. The wood type is lovely to use with the dents and imperfections picked up over the years showing in print. I'm currently working with the National Print Museum to recreate some old fonts (Seanchló) and replace letters using modern CNC cutters. Painting
I normally print in black and then use watercolour to add colour. I used watercolours long before I got into printmaking and I want continue making marks with both brush and roller. New Ways of Working
I used old printing presses and methods but I'm keen to combine these with new possibilities. I'm currently looking at creating images with a digital pen and then using a laser to create a printable block however I much prefer using a real pencil. I've had some success making ink from oak galls and will continue experimenting with this. I've also had a go at making paper from flax tow. This is a locally sourced by-product from linen production and makes a beautiful textured paper. Hand-made Reproductions
I decided long ago that as a printmaker I shouldn't be selling inkjet reproductions of my work and that everything including cards should be hand-printed. As a market stallholder however I'm often asked if I have a particular piece in a smaller size or a print (as in inkjet reproduction!) of it. I therefore recreated some line images as screenprints that I then hand painted instead. This works fine but I don't like having to use toxic chemicals to expose the screens and then flush chemicals these down the sink. Thanks to a grant for the Arts Council I'm currently exploring the use of laser engraved plywood plates instead. These can be hand printed on my presses in the same way as linocuts and then hand painted as before - hence I now have a range of Hand-made Reproductions! |