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Seven Questions for a Printmaker: Rod Nelson. “What drives you to make prints? Bloody mindedness.”

“I have, for my whole life, worked with wood and that has undoubtedly helped me with some aspects of woodblock printmaking. Although I have been making woodcuts for many years now, I am still continually excited by the potential of this ancient medium. Woodcut makes images that simply can not be made in any other way. It sits on the boundary between art and craft – and anyone making woodcuts will quickly experience the delights and terrors of both.” 

Shadow Falls by Rod Nelson

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

Yes! Do you want to see?

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

Not formally. One part of my training has been to look at hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of woodblock prints – for my pleasure, not study. Another learning point is to work with other printmakers collaboratively. I learned quite a bit about human nature. I also love to teach. Students are often the best teachers, and so I learned.

Wide Falls by Rod Nelson

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

I only do woodcuts and specializing has helped me: this medium is enough for a lifetime so far but if I get bored, I’ll change quickly enough.

4. What projects are you currently working on?

A series of ten large waterfalls. It might end up as more so long as I’m enjoying and so long as people wish to buy them.

High Falls by Rod Nelson

5. What drives you to make prints?

Oh goodness gracious me, heavens above, stone the crows. Bloody mindedness. Financial desperation. Loyalty to something or other, I’ve forgotten what. Some day it might be the search for enlightenment, but that seems a bit distant just now.

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

My greatest influence as a printmaker is Shiko Munakata but he died before I started printmaking. I was able to see his work at close quarters and he became like a sort of rough, laughing god for me. His work makes me feel good. My adopted father, Peter Beavan has also been important for me, because he started this printing urge in our family, and he was such a fine, clever, kindly and humorous person.

Flow Surface by Rod Nelson

7. Which art materials do you favour and why?

Paper, ink, wood, but especially beautiful smooth inks smelling wonderfully of linseed and pine, turpentine coloured subtly from the rocks and pigments of the earth, beautiful planks of cream coloured lime wood, razor-sharp chisels of the finest steel, fabulous unbleached Japanese kozo papers as thin as gossamer and costing a fortune. No chemicals, no pollution, nothing that isn’t from the Earth herself.

Water over rock by Rod Nelson

Awards & exhibitions

May 2019. “The print Shadow Falls has been selected by the Royal Society of British Artists for exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London and can be seen there from July 4th – July 14th, 2019.

My print ‘High Falls 1’ was selected in December 2017 for the winter exhibition of the International Print Center of New York and subsequently at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in London where the entire edition of 50 copies sold out.

Towards the end of the Royal Academy Exhibition, the distinguished academician and printmaker Norman Ackroyd RA selected four artists for a joint exhibition at the Zillah Bell Gallery in Thirsk. I was lucky to be one of the four artists selected, and had a wonderful visit to Thirsk for the private view, where I had the privilege and delight to meet John Bell and the other artists.

In October 2018, two of my prints, Horseshoe Falls 2 and Night Falls 2, were chosen for the Royal West of England Academy Open Exhibition.

In November 2018, I began a two month artist residency at Der Alter Schlachthof Kunst und Druckzentrum in Sigmaringen, Wuerttemburg, Germany. On the 30th December, in this place I will be presenting (in German) a discussion of my work and a one-man show.

In the UK, my work is represented by Paragon Gallery in Cheltenham and the Zillah Bell Gallery in Thirsk. In Germany my work is represented by Wenke Kunst gallery in Tuebingen. In the US, my agent is Sam Connor of Norwalk, Connecticut. In mid-October, Paragon Gallery took my work, along with that of other artists, to the Battersea Arts Fair where it was very well received and sold well.

Previously I have had work selected for open exhibitions in London, Bristol, Shanghai, Kunming and in Germany.”

To find out more about this artist:
https://www.rodnelson.studio/recent-prints

Rod will be teaching a two day printing workshop, suitable for all abilities including beginners at Pegasus Art on 6th & 7th September. For more details and booking CLICK HERE.

An enormous thank you for answering our Seven Questions for a Printmaker Series for Print Day in May.

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  492. Robynn May 6, 2019

    This is such fine, fine work. Thank you!

    1. Rgnel May 6, 2019

      Thanks so much for your very kind comment. Bloody mindedness can pay off in the end! One keeps going.