Success for my Online Exhibition "Two Rivers"

 Success for my Online Exhibition "Two Rivers"

Man in Black Cap, dry point etching, hand printed

I am really pleased that all the hard work for my Online Exhibition, "Two Rivers" has paid off.  The gallery of works represents two years of joy, printmaking and creating a series of large oil paintings of the waterways and banks of the Humber region. As a result I have not only been awarded an MA in Creative Practice, but also achieved a distinction.

I like to think that my practice stirs up enthusiasm in the viewer for the individual and atmospheric landscape of our area. We are fortunate to be surrounded by a rich sea-going and  industrial heritage on both banks of the Humber. Since Roman times, the area has been an important location for settlements, industry and commerce. Evidence of ancient bridges, locks and industrial architecture lines the navigational routes. The lives people forged are etched in the landscape and it is that connection which I seek to capture.

I continue my journey in printmaking and painting and hope that you will travel with me, looking at my website and blog along the way.

Drypool, January Morning

Printmaking: Hot Bed Press Print Exchange

Printmaking: Hot Bed Press 20:20 Print Exchange

Hope Beyond the Stars, soft ground etching

Introduction

This year I have again submitted a print for the Hot Bed Press Print Exchange. Printmakers from Print Workshops across the country each create a series of 25 prints on paper measuring 20cm x 20cm. The prints are then exchanged nationally and internationally between workshops and the event culminates in a travelling exhibition.

Series of Prints: Hope Beyond the Stars

I turned to my walks along the River Hull as inspiration. I have already made a large oil painting and monoprint of the former Trinity House Buoy Shed situated on the east bank of the River Hull, near Drypool Bridge.

The Buoy Shed is a Grade II Listed Building due to its architectural importance and relevance to Hull's important maritime history. The central bay has a square relief panel depicting the Trinity House coat of arms of three stars and an anchor supported by dolphins with the motto SPES SUPER SYDERA (Hope Beyond the Stars).

The Trinity House Buoy Shed, River Hull

The Trinity House Coat of Arms, the former Buoy Shed, River Hull

Process

I took a square piece of zinc which I thought would be sympathetic to the 20cm x 20cm dimensions of the paper requirements for the 20:20 Print Exchange.

I then applied a soft ground and selected a portion of the Coat of Arms for the image. I drew into the soft ground and created lines and areas of tone. I etched the plate in nitric acid to give a relatively deep etch.

My first proof showed that the process had been successful. I went on to produce a series of 25 prints, taking care to ensure that each print was carefully registered on the paper and wiped in the same way to produce consistency across the edition.

Outcome

The prints are of a consistent quality and the process was a good exercise in the discipline of producing an edition. I hope that the recipients will be pleased with the print and that the prints may even result in some interest across the country and beyond in Hull's maritime and architectural heritage.

 https://www.hotbedpress.org/

https://www.hotbedpress.org/exhibitions/2020-print-exchange/

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1197668