Tue, 28/02/2023 - 10:26
Learn what’s it like to be a full-time printmaker. Clare Morgan aka Curiousinkyme gave us an inside to her exiting life.
Tell me a bit about yourself and your practice?
I'm Clare (AKA curiousinkyme) a printmaker based between Nottingham and Derby. I found my love of printmaking in 2001 when I first got to work in a print studio at college; I was instantly hooked. I chose to study fine art at Derby university because of its printmaking space.
I now create intricate linocut artwork that combines the figure and nature, I use rich oil-based colours on thin Japanese papers. The work is fragile yet strong and surprisingly tactile. I like to leave evidence of the artworks' creation; marks of carved lino (chatter) create a life and energy that I often liken to brushstrokes in a painting.
What are you currently grappling with in the studio?
Art is very much a process; it is transient and records moments in time. I am currently exploring how to reinterpret imagery that I have explored before, and how it might evolve now in linocut, and at a different time in my life. I am working on a larger scale than previously which brings some challenges to the printing process. I also have to be much more patient with the carving and work over a few days, but there is also so much opportunity to get more form and detail into the portraits.
Do you have any rituals in the studio, what are they?
The main thing is studio organisation, keeping the clean areas, and printing areas completely separate. it's also important to work methodically, printmaking is all about the process; part of that is the preparation beforehand such as paper tearing, adding registration tabs, and choosing the colour palette. Everything has to be ready before starting to print, and then it's about the process itself, which can feel quite meditative. The final step is the editioning and signing of work which can feel like a ritual in itself, it is such a good feeling to see something exist that wasn't there before.
What is your preferred medium?
Linocut has become my medium, which is a complete surprise!
I loved intaglio processes for the linework and screen-printing for the ability to combine drawing and pops of colour which suited me well. I would have never chosen to explore lino, I used to think it was too 'stylised' for me and I hadn't returned to it since college. When I was shielding in lockdown, I needed something I could print in my home studio, without a press. I bought some lino and a starter kit and carved a portrait… and it has escalated from there.
What do you have planned for future work?
I am thinking about how to incorporate more of the figure and explore negative space a bit more (as I am a bit of a maximalist). I know this will challenge me creatively which is important.
What inspires your work?
I am deeply interested in being present and living with curiosity. I make art that celebrates our humanity while reminding us to connect with nature and go with the flow.
There is wisdom in nature that we can learn from. I draw upon the transience of the seasons, the cyclical nature of things and our place within them.
Do you have any helpful advice/resources that would help other artists and makers?
The main piece of advice is to be part of the community, artists and makers both online and offline are amazingly supportive. They are my role models, inspiration, and my cheerleaders, it is the most supportive group of people and I value them all.
I love a good podcast, and often listen while I am tidying my studio or carving. If you need a creative boost would recommend 'creative pep talk' by Andy J Pizza and Artist life with Rafi and Klee.
Which guests would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?
I think I would want an eclectic mix of people so would invite David Bowie, Lady Gaga, Dawn French, Noel Fielding, Stephen Fry and Brian Cox. I think there would be deep conversations as well as some humour.
If you weren't an artist/maker and could choose any career, what would it be?
I don't think I could choose anything that wasn't related to Art in some way. When I was young, I wanted to be a nurse. Whatever I do, it will always involve working with people as that's where I draw my energy.
What have you celebrated in the last 12 months, personally or professionally?
I moved house and set up a new studio space which was a definitely cause for celebration. I loved getting accepted for the Contemporary print fair in November in Nottingham as that had been an ambition of mine for years. And finally, I also got accepted as a people of print member this year, which is a fantastic online community and has already led to more international sales.