How do you use photography in your art practise?
Taking inspiration from the City of Sunderland once again, I have interpreted some of my photographs into Lino prints. It’s a good process to do in the winter when I just want to stay warm! I’m not great at drawing, but using the carving tools makes my attempts look quite graphic.
I’ve tried a few different styles when creating the prints. The images based in the landscape are either free hand drawn directly on to Lino or traced. The traced versions are preferable to me, but some people enjoy the looser style of the free hand drawing.
I’m going to get my tools back out to create some more of these landscapes based on photographs I’ve taken recently. It’s good to keep exploring particular subjects, and there’s plenty for me to work with here.
Another playful way of working is by doodling directly on to the Lino and then carving away the negative space. The doodles are just a form of simple free flow ideas. Nothing is too silly or surreal for these. They just pop out of my head. The drawings themselves can take several hours even though the pieces to date have only been A5 in size.
These are intricate images that keep giving. They are so impromptu that I find new things hidden in them myself. I like to try to incorporate cuboids and multiple vanishing points.
Carving is such a rhythmic activity that I can just zone out. A nice repetitive action to soothe the million miles-a-minute brain. Like a form of meditation.
I have transformed some of my sketchbook doodles into cyanotype prints as well. Motifs like eggs and ice cream often feature. Mainly because I like to eat both, but also for symbolic reasons.
If you like any of the work, have a look at my online shop, or if you would like to buy the originals then get in touch.
