Just Bee Cause

This new print is now available from my website for £20.
I will be donating £10 from each sale to 'The Bee Cause', a campaign run by Friends of the Earth to support the dwindling population of British bees.
You can find out more here

Stick to it?

There was a time, back in my student days, when all I made was collages. Lacking the facilities, and the know-how to produce print editions, I would print lots of little bits and bobs on different materials, then spend many a happy hour sticking them all together.

The technique is enjoyable, feeling like you are creating new and unexpected things from existing ideas. But it's also frustrating- glue all over your fingers, never quite enough of  the best bits that are working, not to mention the paper storm mess all over the place!

For a while I've been saving odds and ends from my editions, with the intention of 'doing something with them'. I found myself actually printing a few different papers and wood veneers, with the intention of using them in collages. It took a while, but I've finally had a go this weekend (despite the fact I should really be full speed ahead with show prep for Fulham Palace next weekend).
I'm not sure what I think about them. I like the mixed materials, but wonder if I feel a little like it is moving backwards. I'd love to hear any opinions. I might take them along to the show to see if they get any attention.

Orla Kiely's Mantlepiece.

My friend Karoline Rerrie spotted this picture in 'The Evening Standard' last week. It's feature on the interior of Orla Kiely's house.
Look very carefully at the print on the fireplace in the far lefthand corner. It's my 'Pretty Boy' screenprint!!



What a turn up!

This edition sold out a while ago, the 'Pretty Boy' was very popular. But I do still have this peacock print available here



Car Boot Finds.

I found a little cache of field guides at the Studley car boot sale this morning. The illustrations are exquisite, and help me along the way with some new botanical prints I've been planning.
The Collins guide, pictured above, has colour plates from the Flora Agaricina Danica, by Jakob Lange. The other is the 'Young Specialist looks at Fungi' by Hans Haas.

I've long admired the methodical layout of field guides, and the way that the eye immediately picks out differences and specific features when specimens are presented in this way. This 'Field Guide to Insects of Britain and Northern Europe' by Michael Chinery is another lovely example.

Other finds included a box of vintage glass Christmas baubles and a reem of flocked paper, originally produced to cover gift boxes (it seems quite old). Not sure what I'll do with that yet, but some print experiments are certainly in the offing.

A Tale of Two Pearls.

A few years ago, this etching of a greyhound stopped me in my tracks as I hurried through the city centre. It was as if an invisible beam dragged me into the shop, and I bought it without a second thought, even though I was skint at the time.
It's an etching by Sonia Rollo, titled 'Pearl'.
Jump forward a couple of years, and another greyhound print took my eye.

This one is by Julia Manning, who I was lucky enough to meet at Printfest in Ulverston. This one is called 'Cats!'. Once again, I was unable to resist.
Julia told me that this print is of her greyhound, who is also called 'Pearl'. She was inspired by Sonia's work, and named her rescued hound after Sonia's handsome subject.

All of these greyhounds must have got under my skin, as I ended up with this one:

The name 'Pearl' didn't seem to suit him though.

White Birds Painting

Here's another painting, just finished today. Again it's on a shaped wooden board, measuring 29x16cm. This one is for sale at £45, message me if you want to give it a home!

Painted Trees Offer

Here's a new painted tree I've been working on.
It's a one off acrylic on shaped wood, on offer for £50 (36x21cm).
Message me if you'd like to bag it!