What got you into printmaking?

A print exhibition at Salisbury Museum inspired me to look for a course so that I could learn more. I found a programme at Trowbridge College about eight years ago and I have been printmaking ever since. I enjoy working within the constraints of printmaking and the way it forces you to find new ways to represent the world around you.

Where do you work and what equipment do you use?

Having started out with nothing more than a few linocut tools, I have gradually taken over more of our house with printmaking paraphernalia.  I now have my own studio with a wonderful Ironbridge etching press – which it has taken me a while to master as it’s used mainly for lino printing rather than etching. Other favourite bits of kit are a 20cm steel ruler – so useful – and an old washing airer that I use to dry my prints!

What inspires your printmaking?

The landscape and wildlife in Wiltshire are major inspirations. The nature reserve at Langford Lakes has been a constant source of ideas and I sell many of my prints at the Kingfisher Café there. 

Print ideas start out initially with a sketch – which gets translated onto screen using a graphics package.  This helps me to try out different visual concepts and work in layers before I commit to anything. It also helps me to think about how to resolve any technical issues as I go along.

What do you find most challenging and what do you most love?

The thing that I love most about printmaking is the way that you can get lost in it for hours and that it helps you to look closely at the world around you.  

It’s unpredictability is a challenge – no matter how hard I try things never turn out quite the way I expected.

Where might people have seen your work?

I exhibit regularly in Salisbury with ‘Plain Arts Salisbury’ and ‘Salisbury Group of Artists.  I have also exhibited at Salisbury District Hospital and at the gallery and café at the Langford Lakes Nature Reserve. 

Insta: @glebehouseprinting