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1. Do you remember the first print you ever made?

I remember the wondrous feeling of turning the handle of an Etching Press and peeling paper off wet black ink to reveal my first ever linocut print. I had been bought a one-day workshop with the wonderful Linocut Boy (Nick Morley) in Margate, Kent, England in 2014. I look back at my first ever linoprints with a fondness now and recognition of how much progress I have made.

2. Are you a trained artist – do you think that’s important?

I am not a trained artist, unless you count GCSE Art, but I don’t think that matters. I think having a love of the medium, an eye for design and a tenacious character is far more useful in linocut printmaking.

3. What type of printmaking techniques do you favour and why?

I am solely a linocut printmaker. I love the style and texture of linocut prints, particularly in contrast to the abundance of digital images we now see everywhere. I also love the manual nature of linocutting and the anticipation and excitement I feel when the first print is revealed off my Book Press!

4. What projects are you currently working on?

I am currently preparing for a solo exhibition at a local wildlife trust in August, as such I am working on a number of British Wildlife linocut prints. The print I am working on at the moment is a Eurasian Jay and Oak Tree leaves and acorns design.

5. What drives you to make prints?

I don’t really have a choice in whether I make prints or not! Once linocut printmaking gets under your skin it’s completely addictive!

6. Who has been an important mentor in your life?

In general, my father, who survived a motorbike accident when he was 17 and lost his right arm, but has always found ingenious ways to get around only having one arm. He is one of the most practical and creative people I know! In the world of linocut, it has to be Linocut Boy (Nick Morley) who taught me and awakened me to the world of linocut! He created a monster!

7. Which materials do you favour and why?

I love the traditional Battleship grey lino. I have come to understand how it reacts to temperature and time and I have a fairly good idea or what I can and cannot do with it. I love my Pfeil Tools, they are so sharp and reliable! I am a great fan of Cranfield Safewash Relief Ink for its rich pigmented colours but with an ability to clear it up easily without using solvents.

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handmadebyhaggy@gmail.com

If you’d like to tell us what makes you tick as a printmaker, please send your answers to printdayinmay@gmail.com and we will upload your answers along with images and a link to your website or social media sites.

Big thanks to all!