Category: 20:20

Workshops

August has been a busy month for me and it’s not over yet.

On Sunday 10th August, I helped my friend out at an Intaglio printmaking workshop organised by Stockport Art Guild.

Alan Birch was running a 3 hour drypoint session at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery with approximately 15 participants. I was in charge of preparing the paper ensuring it was damp enough and blotted and ready for being printed. The prints created that day were of high quality and there is the possibility of running some more workshops.

Intaglio Printmaking Workshop.

A week later on Sunday 17th, I had my chance to run my own workshop at the art gallery which was demonstrating how to create Eco Image Transfer prints.

Eco Image Transfer workshop.

The 2 hour session went well and participants created some interesting work on cartridge paper, Balsa wood and Fabriano paper. The purpose of the workshop was to introduce this mono printmaking technique using household objects and materials.

I included a photo of the art gallery as a printing subject as it tied in well with the centenary celebrations of the war memorial and art gallery.

Last weekend, I visited the heritage centre based inside St. Mary’s church at the marketplace. The centre is open every Tuesday and Saturday.

The archive includes many photographs, found objects from archeological digs and books about the history of the town.

I spoke with one of its patrons, Jill Trumble and had a look through some of the photographic archive. I think a repeat visit is on the cards as next month there will be an exhibition on Woodbank hall.

Me at the Stockport Heritage Centre.

I still have to sign and edition my prints for International Print Exchange and the Hotbed press 20:20. 

My IPE submission: ‘Calm’ Eco Image Transfer on Fabriano paper.

The Centenary Open at Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery came to an end on Sunday 24th August and I will be collecting my etching print depicting the Produce Hall this coming weekend.

Me next to my etching print of the Produce Hall.
Stockport Centenary Open Exhibition.

March update

The month of March has been a busy month for me print wise.

Last month, I was given the opportunity to host a small number of Eco Image Transfer Workshops as part of the Art For All Day event organised by Stockport Art Guild.

The print workshops were in three one hour slots and I demonstrated the simple technique of transferring a laser printed image onto paper, card and wood using a eco cleaning product.

The free workshop offered local residents interested in art, but perhaps with limited experience or opportunities, the chance to engage in a range of practical art activities guided by Stockport Art Guild members.

Check out my article about Eco Image Transfer here.

A few weeks ago, I visited the London Original Print Fair at Somerset House for the day and enjoyed the artwork on show by famous and not so famous artists.

A lot of inspirational prints on show. My favourite artist is Peter Blake.

Last weekend, I continued working on my Mezzotint print of the Viaduct. The print will be used for my entry in this year’s Twenty/Twenty Hotbed Press international print exchange.

“Viaduct”

I’ve also started work on a new etching which depicts the Pear Mill tower. I have created an initial line etching.

“Pear mill”

I am currently working on a new series of Eco Image Transfer prints focusing on Woodbank Park, the former Boars Head pub and the Bakers Vaults pub. More to follow in my next blog post.

Review of the year

2020 has been a “challenging one”, which is a phase I’ve heard many times this year not surprisingly. My year in general has had its fair share of ups and downs like most folk.

The printmaking project has certainly been affected by this year’s pandemic but I have made the most of the situation by being as productive as possible with home printing and attending a few social distanced workshops. I took part in the first ever Manchester Open which ended early, the Macclesfield (Virtual) Open which was a first for me and the Towneley Hall ‘Impressions’ exhibition which will run until mid-February 2021. Hopefully more people will be able to view the Towneley exhibition before it ends if lockdown restrictions are relaxed in time.

In the Autumn, I entered a screen-print edition for the annual Hotbed press Twenty/Twenty International print exchange.

I will definitely be doing more screen printing next year and experimenting with other printing techniques like lithography on kitchen foil.

Currently, I am in the process of designing a brand-new personal website which will be linked to my blog.

I will be adding new features to my website and displaying artwork previously not seen before. The new site will be launched early in the new year. Really looking forward to getting my new website online.

Once published, you can view my website at: www.neilrobinson.me.uk

At the beginning of the year, I started work on a new etching depicting the river Mersey just before lockdown kicked in. I hope to continue work on this printing plate in the new year all being well.

In November, I launched a brand-new Instagram account for the printmaking project which will be good for promoting my project and blog.

I am looking forward to getting back to studio workshops and completing my printmaking project by the end of next year.

Well, it’s time for me to sign off for 2020.

Merry Christmas and here’s to 2021!

Stay safe.

Cheers,

Neil. 🎄