Last Week I learned nothing much …
Last week I didn’t feel much like like learning; so didn’t notice anything new. This action or non-action doesn’t have a positive effect on me when considering my weekly post ‘Last week i learned that …’
So rather than look like an unearned soul; i will reflect on something I saw last week and how it materialised into something less learned more ‘Room for improvement … ‘
For a few weeks in the museum we have been showing an exhibition by Jenny Halstead called An artist’s year in the Harris Garden. One particular image took my eye and I wondered later in the week if I could do something similar.
Lately I have been making prints from erasers in the style of Peter Hay. Until now I have been reproducing them using a simple ink stamp pad, the type one would buy in Hobby Craft and this has been quite successful.
However, the time has come for me to use proper ink for a more professional look. I have searched on the internet and even looked in art shops for the right materials but found it difficult as the two methods are poles apart; so for someone with my limited experience I felt I was falling into a costly minefield.
So I researched some more and found a specialist supplier of printing equipment and materials. Which prompted a visit to London in particular the South Bank to Intaglio Printmaker.
I walked into what looked more like a warehouse than a shop; it was rather like the old fashioned hardware shop and I nearly walked back out again. I loitered by the door feeling much like a child with my dad as he bought nails, or screws where the shopkeeper wrote in a cash book with a strategically placed blue carbon paper. Whilst I didn’t feel at home it was quite pleasant not to be bombarded with noise, advertising and barrage of not helpful shop assistants. I waited my turn; and was not disappointed by the saleswoman who not only knew her products but understood my tender needs. A delight I have not enjoyed for a long time.
So I came away with a well put together package wrapped in brown paper and the the hand-written receipt!
After a wonderful shopping experience here is the result.