A new 20:20 linocut all ready to go!

How quickly another year comes round! It's not long until the deadline for submitting work to this year's 20:20 print exchange, organised by Hot Bed Press. I've just finished my multi-plate linocut 'Into the Woods' edition of 25, which will be one of a set of prints from Prospect Studios.

'Into the Woods' original linocut by Carolyn Murphy

This original print is based on a sketch of Welsh woodlands, which I did a few years ago. I loved the mix of rock and undergrowth, light and shadows.

Over 500 artists from more than 40 print studios across the UK and beyond are expected to take part again this year, with work touring and on display on-line.

To see more of my work, please check out my website: www.carolynmurphy.co.uk where you will also find an online Shop with currently available work. Thanks!

20:20 Exhibition Touring during 2017

Throughout 2017, the Hot Bed Press organised 20:20 print exchange will be touring the UK, sharing the work of 508 artists from 39 print workshops, this year including prints from Hong Kong and Australia for the first time.

I submitted 2 print editions this year - a bit crazy I know! Images below. One was through Hot Bed Press in Salford, where I'm a member, and another through Prospect Studio in Rossendale, where I printed most often in 2016.

'Meandering' is a 2 plate linocut, based on a sketch for print that I did looking over the stunning Dovey Estuary in mid Wales, just outside Aberdovey / Aberdyfi and Machynllyth.

Above is 'Adjusting the Sails', another 2 plate linocut, this edition using a technique of scratching into lino to create tone, something I experimented with after seeing the Picasso linocuts at Lady Lever Gallery last year. The name of the print is based on a quote from a lovely card given to me by a former colleague: "We cannot direct the wind but we can adjust the sails".

The entire collection can be viewed online, along with prints from previous years, on flickr:
www.flickr.com/photos/hotbedpress/

Venues for the touring exhibition can be found at www.2020printexchange.com

Time to Stand and Stare

One of my favourite poems is well known, in parts. It's called Leisure by William Henry Davies. You'll probably recognise it:

Leisure

What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.

A poor life this is if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

William Henry Davies                     
                                               

As I contemplate and explore ideas for a forthcoming exhibition in Bury and my 20:20 print exchange editions for 2016, this poem resonates with me. From observing, to cutting lino and capturing a feeling of peace... It's time to stand and stare.

Work in progress images below - concept for a night sea and sky, using tone in lino, as well as a developing twilight view of a Welsh landscape, in 3 plates.

 

Linocutting in Wales

Spent a great day today cutting an A4 mono lino design on a linocut printmaking workshop in Machynlleth, in Wales, with Ian Phillips. He does some amazing  large scale work - A2 upwards - and is clearly influenced by his experience of printing with Torres Strait Islander printmakers in Australia. Looking forward to day 2!