Artist Statement

I am an Artist, Printmaker whose work is predominantly figurative. 
I am telling a story, the characters are dolls most of which I have made myself.  Mostly crocheted but also puppets. 
I find making the doll first gives me a feel of the 3D aspect of creating a 2D image.  I know its contours intimately, the lines on the face I have created with my less than perfect stitching, like the healing of a wound. I know it's body inside and out.
I create a scenario for them, draw and then transfer the image onto my chosen surface.
At present I am enjoying working with wood, I appreciate the way it splinters and the joy of relinquishing some of the control.
For my stories I take inspiration from childhood events, memories that are real but also exaggerated.
My titles are of great importance to me, I consider them to be part of the work, hopefully they have some humour.  
Recently I have been experimenting with new (to me) Printmaking techniques. Firstly Mokulito, a Japanese practice of Wood Lithography. This allows for a more drawn look to a piece but also has room for some traditional cutting methods.  The grain of the wood is also more visible especially if it is scorched beforehand.  I have had some success with this process but it is still very much work in progress  
Secondly, Mokuhanga, Japanese Woodblock Printing. This varies a great deal from traditional western Woodcuts.  Water based pigments are used instead of ink and the image consists of a number of blocks using a form of registration called  'Kento'.  I am only a few weeks into this way of working but I am hopeful it will add another dimension to my work, I just have to practise!‹