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John Howard Print Studios at The Poly

Myself, Kayleigh and Emma went to the Private view of John Howard Print studios at the Poly this evening. John was my tutor on foundation and along with the wonderful technicians Becky and Jane helped me find a love for the process of print-making. My practice is focussed on etching but I always love to learn new print-making processes and am fascinated by how much there is out there.

Upon arriving the room was buzzing with people looking at the work. Ranging from detailed etchings to eccentricly coloured woodcuts. I came away once again feeling motivated and inspired by the process of printmaking

As always the work of Becky Haughton caught my eye. She has a great ability to both work successfully on large and small scale. These two in particular caught my eye because of the use of mark-making and colour. The intricate size of these etchings makes the viewer appreciate each mark that has been carefully placed on the plate. I find the smaller work more appealing because it is more intimate and allows the viewer to engage with the work in a different way to larger scaled work.

The structure within her work is beautiful. The use of shapes and tone really creates a sense a textured scene which captures scenes people might overlook. It is though this repetition of mark-making that she is able to build up and create these scenes.

Becky Haughton

Becky Haughton 

Other work in the exhibition which appealed to me was the work of Lesley Harry. Living by the sea for over a year now has made me look at it in news ways. I now appreciate the movement and rhythm of the sea as I find it calming and often sit by the coast for hours at a time just taking in my surroundings. Lesley's work captured this sense of rhythm to me and the idea of tranquil landscape which is dominated by organic structures. The patterns and marks within the work are stunning and whenever I see the work of Lesley I am inspired to try and recreate this within my own work. 

Lesley Harry 

I was so fortunate last year to have John Howard as my tutor on Foundation. We had a day where he came in and talked about his work and brought in original prints and copper etching plates. I still remember seeing the copper plate for the first time and learning about the process and time he takes to manipulatie the plate. For me, the plate is as beautiful as the print because you are working with different metals and you never know quite what you're going to get. The amount of time and effort John puts into his practice and that of others is really inspiring. He motivates me to keep drawing and better myself as an artist. 


John Howard

The exhibition is currently on display at the Poly in Falmouth. I really recommend that you go and see it. I came away feeling so motivated to get back into the print room. All the best for those who have work on display. 

http://www.johnhowardprintmaker.com/index.html 







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