Opening today at Bradford’s Trapezium Gallery, it’s a vibrant showcase of the work of three printmakers: Ruth Fettis, Annie Fforde and Patrick Whitehead.
They each work with different approaches, styles, and processes, but share a passion for printmaking. The exhibition includes works in such techniques as linocut (relief), etching, drypoint, aquatint, monotype (intaglio) and woodcut.
Ruth Fettis came to Bradford in 1987 from Newcastle and in 1997 completed an MA in printmaking at Bradford College. She now works with adults and families, making art. She enjoys collaborating with other artists and is a member of Inkers, a group of professional printmakers who hold exhibitions in West Yorkshire.
Ruth uses the old craft of lino and woodcut printing to tell modern day stories. Influenced by social issues, she creates large, bold narrative and figurative prints that “convey a powerful message”. Says Ruth: “I chose linocut because it’s one of the cheapest forms of printmaking. The lino I use for carving out the image is called ‘marmoleum’, which is bio-degradable and donated from local carpet shops. All you need to start are a couple of sharp gouges/tools, some ink, paper, lino and a wooden spoon. Linocut is an extension of drawing and has a long tradition and history of protest. Artists such as Kathe Kollwitz and John Muafangejo have inspired me.”
Annie Fforde recently returned from living and working in France. A member of Inkers, she runs printmaking workshops at Thornton’s South Square Centre. Many of her prints on display at Trapezium are woodcuts combined with monotype, drypoints with monotype or etchings.
Annie says: “I have an abstract approach to art, often combining two or more printmaking processes. I create the image using line, texture and layering colour. It’s my emotional response to abstract ideas or concepts; music, poetry, landscape and objects in collections. My use of colour is sometimes heightened depending on the mood of the imagined landscape and subject matter.”
Born in Bradford, Patrick Whitehead studied Fine Art Printmaking at Lincoln College of Art and Norwich School of Art. He owns and manages The Apothecary Gallery in Thornton.
Patrick explains the process behind his work: “My early work incorporated traditional etching processes of etching, drypoint, aquatint and mezzotint. I’m fascinated by intaglio processes, especially the newer methods which include collagraphs and solar etching. The intaglio prints in this exhibition are solar etchings and drypoints, which include the use of a Dremel engraver and different grades of corborundum grit to create lines, marks and different tones and textures.”
He adds: “A large part of my work is inspired by my travels overseas and a love of different cultures. The subject matter ranges from architecture and crowds to everyday scenes. I’m interested in capturing a particular moment in time and through the effect of light and dark, I aim to create a timeless quality to my work.”
Some Day My Prints Will Come, which also includes artists’ books, based on poetry and music, is at Trapezium Gallery on Kirkgate, Bradford city centre, until June 8. Opening times: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 11am-3pm. Visit trapeziumarts.com or email art@trapeziumarts.com
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