What got you into printmaking?

Having had a taster at my Foundation art course, a friend later invited me to a print studio in my home town. I started with a collagraph course.

I soon discovered there were many techniques and possibilities and became utterly hooked, leading to weekly printing at Bodenpress. I have practised collagraph, reduction lino, screenprint, monoprint, monoprint-screenprint, and copper etching.

Where do you work and what equipment do you use?

Having moved to Southampton in 2025, I now have my own home studio looking out onto the River Itchen.

I am very pleased with my etching press and very large work table. One of my favourite bits of equipment is a thin-edged plastic knife that I love to use in monoprinting on polypropylene.

What inspires your printmaking?

I respond to what I read, see and think – sometimes feelings, sometimes catharsis, sometimes celebrating creation.

I most enjoy my work that begins with an idea and then develops during the process of printing – modifying, adding, changing direction.

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

Sometimes there are challenges where something is not quite working (eg: colour, light, composition). However, I love working out how to resolve those challenges. I love the printing process itself.

Where might people have seen your work?

I have regularly exhibited with Bodenpress over many years including at Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution. I also exhibited at Bucks Open Studios/Art Weeks for over 10 years. I also exhibited at NOPE Bankside and RA Summer Exhibition.

I have taught occasional GCSE students, enabling them to augment their portfolio.

berniegrist.wordpress.com

Instagram: @thebernieg