During the past couple of months, i've done extensive research into contemporary printmakers, particularly those in Illustration and the linocut process. From what I can gather, printmaking is a less practiced media than most, particularly in the illustration field and the creative industry. It's also hard to find illustrator/printmakers who use this unique technique in unusual ways to create interesting pieces. Personally, I love printing! I love getting a new brief, getting my initial ideas and being able to see how and what I can use to bring the best qualities of the image out, figuring out what I need to carve out and leave in, what mark making I need to do and finally pulling it (recently by hand). I think print has made me looser in my work, if I get a small nick or slip in the lino cutting, I make it work, no going back and thats had a positive effect for me.
I want to use printmaking processes (etching, linocut, monoprint etc) to bring unique qualities to the illustrations that I create, whether thats part or the entire illustration. Here's some examples of illustrators and printmakers who inspire me and the way that I want/try to work.
Swoon:
Swoon - A street artist based in Brooklyn who pastes increible linocuts onto walls around cities for people to discover, before they decay over time. I recently found her work, not in the flesh unfortunately, but if the pictures are anything to go by, she is a genius! The use of lino, for me, evokes an emotion from the unknowns who are featured and leaves you guessing as to who they are and what eactly they are doing.
Kelly Dyson:
http://www.dontwakemeup.com/
Kelly Dyson - Found Dysons work through Googling gig posters and immediately connected with it, absolutely love the concept behind his pieces and although I don't have his skill, I see similarities in my work. He works in Lino and screenprint and was soon in my Artist Inspiration folder that I keep. At the time, i'd just finished an editoria brief which left me questioning whether i'd be able to be a printmaker and work in editorial. Dyson proves that not only is it possible, but it looks incredibly good too! I'm definitely a fan.
Niki Pilkington:
I've been a fan for awhile, I love that she incorporates unusual elements into her work, whether its a splash of colour, a pattern or a 3D element, she pulls it off amazingly. Her use of typography (and Welsh!) makes her work truly unique and can't wait to see where she goes in the future.
AJ Masthay:
I love the use of colour in Masthay's work, almost unrecogniseable as a linocut. He takes printmaking into a new contemporary style that fits in but still stands out thanks to the vibrant colour and mark making that only lino can make.
Although these are just a few examples, they are probably the ones that I go look to the most. All definitely deserve their place in my inspiration folder, and motivate me to reach new levels in my work.
They're all definetly worth a follow on the ol' twitter too!
In Uni this week, it's creative futures, a week where guest speakers come in a talk about what they do, how we can get to where we want to be, how they got to be where they wanted to be and many other things. (Unfortunately none of the above will be making an appearance)
So! this week i'll blog about each of the days, who i've heard from and what they said!
Last year was a mixed bag, some incredibly inspirational talks whilst others left you questioning why you were there (and why they were there!). So hopefully no repeats, i've already marked my schedule and I seem to have chosen a good bunch. . . i'll keep you informed.
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