What got you into printmaking?

From my earliest memories, I have always painted and was always painting. I can’t remember the exact moment when I learned to linoprint but it was early.  When I took early retirement from my job as a biotech Patent Attorney I wanted a structure to my first year to ease me into the retired life and I found a year long foundation course in printmaking at the Red Hot Press in Southampton.  I learned all type of printmaking from intaglio to relief, but my love of linoprinting was cemented in that course. 

I love printmaking as it gives a final effect that cannot be achieved by painting and vice versa.  Hence I do both acrylic painting and linoprinting.

Where do you work and what equipment do you use?

I have a home studio in my garden – my ‘she-shed’.  I have an Abig press in the studio which is good for both relief and intaglio print making techniques.

I love my Pfeil carving tools as well as my Hawthorn rollers. I have a wide range of rollers but my 6×2-inch Hawthorn’s student roller is still my go to roller where possible.  

I use Hawthorn stay open inks in my studio and Caligo Safe Wash inks when running workshops.   

What inspires your printmaking?

I love walking with my dog Chewbacca and my family and friends. I am inspired by nature and the landscape around me when I walk. I sometime sketch whilst en plain air or I will take photos and work up images in the studio afterwards. I will typically paint a scene in acrylic paint before designing a linoprint plate of the same or a similar image. The size and/or shape of the acrylic painting may differ from the linoprint, but I find the process of acrylic painting helps me develop ideas and colours for the linoprint. I find this is most effective for me when creating a reduction linoprint and when considering layers and colours to build up to the make the final image. 

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

I love a challenge and I enjoy problem solving – so when things go wrong or if I’m struggling I just try to dig in and find a solution. It is so satisfying finding new ways to create and I enjoy experimenting with the methods & techniques I use to create my artwork. I’m always learning something new and I like that.

Where might people have seen your work?

I have exhibited at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Exbury Gardens, St. Barbe Museum & Art Gallery, Romsey Art Group, Oxmarket Contemporary, God’s House Tower Museum and Art Gallery, Southampton City Art Gallery Foyer & other venues. I was awarded the Mary and John Symons Memorial Award for best print in St. Barbe Museum & Art Gallery’s open exhibition in 2022. I routinely take part in Hampshire Open Studios.  

I share my love of linoprinting in workshops at various venues, including Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Queen Elizabeth Country Park and Romsey Art Group. 

Website: www.aylsawilliams.co.uk

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