'Original Screenprint'

'The Plan'

2012-01-26T17:29:00.008Z

'The Plan', one-off Silkscreen print, 210X297mm

Having used the same brand of silkscreen ink for ten plus years, I've still yet to come to terms with the fact that their production came to a swift halt two years ago. My denial has felt somewhat appropriate as since their demise became common knowledge, I have never felt so thrifty with its application. The final dregs of a handful of colours are kept for best, set aside for dream jobs & my own printmaking explorations. Meantime, I'm mentally conducting interviews and try-outs for its competitors. Rather frustratingly not much is coming close but a pick and mix of four contenders allowed me to create this new print above. Suddenly excited by its painterly qualities and varying opacities, maybe there's renewed hope after all.

What's pink and stripy..

2012-01-17T14:35:00.006Z

My fad for experimenting with gouache unintentionally wore thin and before I knew it I was back to being consumed by screens. I guess its all too familiar, yet still exciting so kind of inevitable. Especially when you've a few new fluorescent inks to add to the mix.

'Giuseppe D’Innella'

2012-01-11T17:27:00.004Z

Detail from 'Casa Cantoniera', Silkscreen on paper.

Serendipity is Peppes favourite word to explain his obsession with the practice of silkscreen in the later stage of his life. His former years saw him professionally as a banker and trade commissioner, living globally from Caracas to Milan, Tokyo to Sydney and finally Wimbledon. Throughout his working life he made time to paint and occasionally held exhibitions. Fast forward to 2008 when he entered my studio at our annual Open event. His eagerness to translate his years as a painter into explorations within Silkscreen was wonderful. I knew nothing of his work but we struck up a creative dialogue that led to a handful of sessions at my studio, honing Peppes skill as a printmaker and sharing a few of my trade secrets along the way. His first transition from paint to print became Uluru. Last week we met again and Peppe presented me with Casa Cantoniera, my favourite of his printed works. By boldly committing loose, gestural brush marks to screen and applying them with varying subtleties of colour and tone he simply makes bloody good prints(!). View more here and keep an open eye for new Screenprints premiering mid-May. Well done Peppe.

Just one more layer?

2012-01-04T20:55:00.007Z

'Park', one-off Silkscreen print, 210X297mm

It's a constant creative battle to resist screening another layer of ink before it's too late and the magic becomes lost. Keeping going just to see isn't as easily remedied as punching the 'apple+z' keys in Photoshop. My unregimented and somewhat cackhanded approach to silkscreen leaves me with little memory of how a piece began or why and where it ended. I guess in the words of fellow printmaker James Brown, "this is where the Magic happens".

Kettles Yard, Cambridge.

2011-12-31T13:27:00.011Z

Kettles Yard House, home of former Tate Gallery curator Jim Ede & his wife Helen is possibly my all time favourite place to be, (and my spiritual home I'm sure). By converting four neighbouring cottages they created a dwelling for themselves as well as providing an informal gallery space to display their collection of early twentieth century art. I won't spoilt it for you by trying to tell of its magic. If you can't foresee a visit then their website has an excellent virtual tour.

My urge to always create a 'something' after an afternoon under its spell is a quality I wish I could switch on so readily in my working life. This time I was straight to purchase a beginners gouache set. Clearly it's going to take some practice but the flatness of the paint applied is reminiscent of silkscreen printing. It feels like I'm on safe territory!

Nancys Dad.

2011-12-17T13:43:00.004Z

'Exit Strategies'

2011-12-13T21:05:00.006Z

Kate Gibb, 'The End?'

The latest edition of Granta magazine entitled Exit Strategies, arrived at the studio today.

Browsing through a couple of illustrations really caught my eye. Closer inspection revealed the artistic perpetrator as Grantas own Art Director, Michael Salu.

Michael Salu, 'America'.

As if he isn't busy enough, Michael has started the Granta blog. Documenting their varied creative pursuits it offers you a chance to sample them individually. Look for yourself here & worth keeping in check with for sure.

'Winter Solstice'

2011-12-11T13:09:00.008Z

Today I am working on my accounts. Well that was the case until I chose to become preoccupied by a badge making machine left in my studio. What an addictive gadget that could turn out to be. Yesterday, (like many others) I wished to live somewhere remote and quiet, clean air, clear skies.. the antithesis of London life. If only not to have missed Saturdays eerily spectacular lunar eclipse. Take a few minutes to watch William Castlemans time lapse of the whole event and observe the moon radiate a deep blood red. Spooky.

Stripes & Halftones

2011-12-07T23:48:00.005Z

A rewarding aspect of working regularly alongside Stussy, is it allows me to hone my skills as a printmaker. Of late, my contribution to them has been as a colourist and mark maker I guess. Revitalising and updating their bountiful back catalogue of stock logos, through additional texture & playing optically with colour has kept me technically on my toes. Some of this work in progress remains purely as that. The prints shown here particularly challenged me but never made it off the board.

100% cotton, utilitarian art?

2011-12-02T17:23:00.008Z

I couldn't bear to hear myself blog about tea towels again. (Or mention that its our Open Studios this weekend). Feel free to pop by, (emoticon).

'Open Studios this Weekend...'

2011-11-30T16:18:00.016Z

Try a relaxed approach to the festive period & pop to 'Great Western Studios' this coming weekend for our annual Christmas Open. The studios have grown vastly in the last year so lots of new bits & bobs for everyones perusal. Myself & Sophie Smallhorn have gotten together creatively, (festively even, could be the appropriate word) although there are no Santas hats on our tea towels.. Bah!

December 3rd & 4th, 12 - 6pm both days.

'Living in Patterns'

2011-11-28T16:57:00.006Z

Pollyn's latest album 'Living in Patterns' holds this weeks grand accolade of being Rough Trade's record of the week. That's pretty high praise in my book. Art Director Adam Weissman is one of the bands three members. Our creative relationship stems mainly from our collaborative work with Stussy. With a title that couldn't feel more apt to oil my creative juices, I relished the opportunity to create their sleeve art. Read what they have to say here, its all good.

'Things & People'

2011-11-14T14:43:00.006Z

I totally forgot to tell of Sandy Suffields unique little blog 'Things & People'. Introduced to each other via Sophie Smallhorn, a mutual friend & hugely impressive silkscreen artist & sculptor. Her premise is for you to pick a thing that has been influential in your life, accompanied by its story. There are a lot of real weepies.. so tissues to the ready. Not for mine though, its just one more tale of sibling rivalry. A consistent fave of mine is Chris, whose friend grabbed a crisp from a bag that was his doppelgänger. Such luck!

Teatowels

2011-10-14T09:20:00.004+01:00

Our combined shows at Blackbough & Material created our first Teatowel, something I have often imagined but never gotten round to. Albeit a last minute exercise whilst finishing off Prints & hanging the shows, I'm most proud of our linens. Available to purchase online here.

Le Monde, 'M'

2011-10-12T17:38:00.008+01:00

Being a screenprinter doesn't lend itself to the fickle, fast, tight deadlined world of Editorials. But, I still want to do them. And probably for all the afore mentioned adjectives. Unfortunately tears of sheer frustration are often at the ready.. But not this time! Paris based Art Director Eric Pillault managed to point me in his carefully thought out direction, as he had previously for fashion magazine Jalouse. Thank you Eric ; - )

A Magical Evening..

2011-10-08T16:45:00.006+01:00

A big thanks to Blackbough & Material Gallery for being smashing hosts for our opening night of 'Unplanned Magic', on at both venues until November 5th. As well as new Prints from both Marcus & myself there are hand silkscreened teatowels & notebooks to peruse, made collaboratively by myself, Marcus, Hayley & Adam. What fun we had and hopefully this is but the beginning.

New (unplanned) things.

2011-09-30T12:25:00.005+01:00

See more here, from October 7th.

'Unplanned Magic' in Ludlow.

2011-09-27T16:54:00.006+01:00

One of the Proprietors of Blackbough is Adam Withington. It was Adam who successfully & fastidiously ran Great Western Studios for ten something years, nurturing the creative community that evolved from a British Rail lost goods building housed under the Westway. Since his departure he has opened Blackbough. I'm delighted to be showing my latest prints there, previewing next Friday October 7th.

The show runs concurrently with that of another silkscreen artist, the wonderfully talented Marcus Walters. A favourite of mine, Marcus's new prints will be housed just along the road at Material Gallery & bookstore. We've even knocked our creative heads into one and made a few things together. If you find yourself in Ludlow next Friday be sure to join us at both venues and then the pub next door to Blackbough for afters..

Of All the Things..

2011-09-22T09:39:00.006+01:00

... I have made with Stussy, these Limited Edition bags complete with a collage style Stars'n'Stripes print I created last year, are an immediate joy.

"Back 4 The Future"

2011-09-16T21:33:00.005+01:00

My knowledge of films is somewhat appalling.. my childhood was definitely spent up a tree. The past few years have seen me play slow catch up, but then there's all the new releases to take in to account. Exhausting. When Nike asked me to contribute creatively to their 'Back4TheFuture' Charity Auction, there was an initial moment of panic. The aftermath is I've now seen Back To The Future II, twice. Nike, Original Film Creators & 'The Michael J. Fox Parkinson Foundation' have combined forces releasing a limited edition of 1500 pairs of the mythical Nike Mag trainers, worn originally and solely by Marty McFly himself. Sold exclusively through US Ebay, all proceeds go direct to Michael J Foxs Charity and his personal quest to find a cure for Parkinsons.

Four Artists reinterpreted the films original poster as part of the Charity Gala Evening in Los Angeles, all of which can be viewed here. However it doesn't end there.. keep an eye out for the Hover boards!

'Nothing Major'

2011-09-07T22:32:00.006+01:00

Even with a few friendly Q&A's under my belt now, there's still a fine art to re-reading your own choice words without the obligatory cringe.. At the same time and having gotten over my ego, I love what Pitchfork's very own Art Director Michael Renaud has helped concoct with the newly launched site 'Nothing Major'. Their open Tshirt brief allowed me to play around with a longstanding still life idea. Meanwhile, they were busy customising a Nothing Major brass bike bell. Too cool for school those people and most definitely worth a visit.

new.. Framed Editions at 'Elphicks'

2011-08-11T18:03:00.005+01:00

Finally I've gotten round to teaming up with 'Elphicks', one of my favourite London Print Shops, once again. This time I decided to go the whole hog and create customized frames to work integrally with my Prints. Several sheets of sandpaper and many layers of paint later, the results were dropped off to Sharon herself this morning... Always a pleasant way to start my day. Good to see you Sharon, X

'Browsing Copy 2', A Project to Save Used Books

2011-08-11T15:09:00.006+01:00

I just received an email notifying me that Roy Po h has collated Series 02 of his wonderful project, 'Browsing Copy'. Check out WERK Magazines contribution. After purchasing their hand made Magazine showcasing fashion designers Eley Kishimoto, I remain a life long fan.

Dream Jobs..

2011-07-28T10:45:00.006+01:00

Whilst in Tokyo last Autumn for 'Tokyo Graphic Passport', I was thrilled to reunite with the brilliant designer Paul Boudens, also a guest speaker. Paul & I originally met at the prestigious fashion house of 'Dries Van Noten'. I was commissoned in around 2003 to illustrate their Spring Summer Catalogue. The Menswear Collection was themed around the graphic sartorial style of David Hockney, the Ladies showed homage to the 1940's. On reflection, this still remains as one of my most favourite projects. The attached photos show my silkscreens in situ at Dries's beautiful store the 'Modepalais', Antwerp.

Stussy Beatniks..

2011-06-21T22:54:00.007+01:00

It can feel like an age between screening the final colour to an artwork &

awaiting the transition from flat print to wearable garment.

Yesterday a box of samples arrived from the Stussy HQ.

I'd forgotten what the Beatniks looked like although I remember the first guy..

he's a double for Woody Allen no?

I love how they've extracted the patterns I created for the beatniks

clothes & fed them through their classic stock Logo's..

Its all coming together nicely.. & it's a good feeling.

Ah, "Happy Birthday Pop"..

2011-06-16T00:02:00.004+01:00

.. It might be the big seven zero for you Dad but I think all the golf is paying off..

Have a lovely birthday & a very happy one too.

X X l o v e X X

'Present Pattern'

2011-06-12T23:23:00.007+01:00

My obsession for pattern is getting out of hand.. ideas jumping around the page, not sure which to try and execute first. Sometimes it's easier to transfer this energy in to creating something immediate..
"Ta-Dah", cue wrapping paper & card for Bevans Birthday = instant pattern gratification.
I'm so relieved.
Happy Birthday my lovely friend.

'Stussy'

2011-05-27T15:53:00.009+01:00

Whilst randomly flicking through Stussy's website, I finally got to see one of my (many upcoming..) silkscreen designs as finished, fashionable items. All too exciting!
I've been working under the strict guise of the super talented Art Director & Musician 'Adam Jay Weissman' for at least a couple of years now. Conjuring up new patterns from their bountiful back catalogue of logos as well as creating new prints for their classic Tees is a lengthy process but today I spotted a 'cap' and some trunks.. And there is a whole lot more to come. I even heard a rumour about a bag slash rucksack type affair .. gonna keep my fingers well and truly crossed for that one.

New Edition, "Mishmash"

2011-05-10T11:10:00.007+01:00

'Mishmash' is one of two new Editions, hot off the press and available online here as well as in the flesh at 'Brighton AOH' - Artists Open Houses. Running every weekend throughout the merry month of May, our host Mark Lane opens his family home at 40 Tidy Street to the public as part of the 'Brighton Festival', hosting a collection of Artworks by some of his favourite artists and illustrators. This aside, his home alone is well worth the visit.

"Mishmash"

Hand silkscreened on 'Archival Quality Black Daler Board',

Colours - 7,

Dimensions - 210mm X 295mm ( approx A4 size )

Edition - 8,

Price - £ 150 incl p&p for the UK, (for postal prices outside the UK please email),

Each Print is hand stamped, numbered & signed,

To purchase, please email - info@thisisanoriginalscreenprint.com

'Granta'

2011-04-28T14:52:00.011+01:00

This somewhat shattered little bird is a new print accompanying

a short story for the Spring edition of Granta magazine.

'Haroshi'

2011-04-25T22:00:00.007+01:00

A chance encounter from a 'mutual appreciation' email gratefully led me back to Tokyo last Autumn. Whilst on this trip I was introduced to the Artist, Haroshi.

When I was given the opportunity to join the artist & his wife at their studio to view his work first hand.. I didn't waste anytime. 'Future Primitive' is Haroshi's debut show at Jonathan Levine Gallery, Manhatten. If you are local or simply in the vicinity, it's a must. You wont be disappointed.

Haroshi is a sculptor, he creates his pieces from discarded, broken skateboards ... it sounds simple but the level of craftsmanship is quite surreal and shouldn't be taken for granted. Each of his works has a hidden piece imbedded in its structure, kind of a soul to the work if you like. Each sculpture is accompanied by an X-ray, proof of the hidden object within.

'Sunday Telegraph'

2011-03-25T00:18:00.009Z

"No matter where in the world an atelier is based, chances are one of the UK's design talents will be at the helm. Feted by fashion houses, courted by their accountants and fawned over by Government Ministers with an eye on our GDP.. British Designers have never been more in demand.."

Jo Craven, Sunday Telegraph 20th March 2011.

( A silkscreen print for an Editorial? Such luxury dah-ling! )

2011-03-21T22:48:00.017Z

Housed in the beautiful town of Ludlow, 'Blackbough' is officially opened by its launch this coming Friday. Described by its proprietors as .. "a Shop & Gallery selling objects that we like and hope that you do too. Some of them are old, some new .. all of them will be stylish, well made and interesting". Whats not to Love?

(And 'Yes'... I do have prints in there!)

'Japan.. Your help required.'

2011-03-17T16:49:00.011Z

Since I heard the catastrophic news of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan, I have felt desperate for the current plight of its people and their incredible losses and trauma. It seems somewhat relentless. 'Print Okushon' has been set up to raise money for this more than worthy course. You'll be spoilt for choice with the diverse range of Artists works ... & naturally I donated a little something too.

2011-02-20T14:53:00.009Z

Here's one of the jobs I wasn't allowed to mention that on completion, wasn't used anyway. Exhausting innit. Its original intention was to be the cover image for Computer Arts Magazine, illustrating the 'CYMK' method of Printing.

2011-02-01T12:17:00.007Z

Part of another thing I can't mention... yet.

2011-01-31T18:29:00.002Z

A black silkscreened scribble ... what's not to like?

'iida'

2011-01-14T14:21:00.011Z

Japanese Company 'iida' make beautiful mobile phones.

They also had the beautiful idea of commissioning artists to create

animations for their customers all available as downloads, for free.

Having had a good browse through their Digital Contents Gallery,

an instant fave were the inky, cut out drawings of '100%Orange'.

Everything seems to be moving in the world of Advertising nowadays.

I'm kinda breaking into a loose jog in comparison to the slick world of the

moving image but giving my own small spin on it at the same time!

See more here..

'Carton'

2011-01-07T14:36:00.011Z

I meant to blog about these innovative cardboard wallets on my return from Tokyo... then I managed to delete the photographs. Having remedied this situation, here they now are. I had the good fortune to meet their maker, Shimazu Fuyuki at 'Arts Chiyoda', also the home of '+81' Magazine. For a young guy his ideas are forward thinking, aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly. I came home with a wallet in my suitcase which was instantly re-housed in the back pocket of my boyfriends jeans. Three months later its looking better than ever, with additional creases & added distress that only 90 days in a pair of good denims can conjur up. It literally is the wallet that keeps on giving! Learn more about them & his other design works here..

My first 'Pop-Up' Shop

2010-12-07T14:55:00.020Z

Kind of by accident I indulged in my first 'pop-up' shop last weekend, for our

bi-annual Open Studio event. Whilst frothing umpteen hundred cappuccino's

for the Studio visitors in our beautiful restaurant, it made sense to pin up

some prints in the adjoining meeting room. A few hours later with a

piece of chalk in hand, it dawned on us that we'd finally joined

the Pop-Up Revolution. And by the way... I'm all for it.

'Open Studios' this Weekend...

2010-11-30T22:53:00.012Z

The coming weekend sees the studios officially Open to all, the third time for our new building. Not having made the previous due to work, I felt it time to generate some festive fun and enter in to the spirit of the occasion. As well as helping Steve man the cafe, we've gotten together and collaborated on a few new prints which will adorn the walls of the adjoining meeting room.

Please come see us, both days from 12pm til' 6pm.

'Never Judge.. '

2010-11-26T16:00:00.014Z

'Never Judge..' is a group exhibition celebrating the art of the book cover, in conjunction with Penguin Books. Previewing this coming Thursday at 'The Stolen Space Gallery', the Old Truman Brewery off of Brick Lane, it runs til' December 19th.

Click here for more information.

And there's more...

2010-11-12T15:18:00.000Z

Proof?

2010-11-12T14:55:00.003Z

My blog has seemed a little lame of late, mainly due to the fact that projects I've been working away at are not due out until later next year. Desperate to keep up some sort of visual diary I am reduced to posting out 'snaps', simple tasters of things to come.

"And then there was light..."

2010-11-04T17:14:00.007Z

It's finally happening ... formerly known as 'The Lost Goods Building' the original Great Western Studios is being toppled as I type. I imagine this is good news for the new studio dwellers on the west side, their view having been slightly blocked until now. However for me it's a sad, sad day.

'Pick Up a Penguin'

2010-10-18T12:26:00.006+01:00

Here's the one that didn't make it ... the one that did will be 'outed' next Spring.

Just the Winter to get through then ... Brrrrr!

Atsushi Kitagawara

2010-10-04T12:11:00.008+01:00

A small diversion from printing to tell of one of my (what felt like hourly..) inspiring experiences in beautiful Japan. Whilst exploring the Japanese Alps we took in the Keith Haring Museum at Nakamura. Admittedly I've never been a huge fan of Mr Haring, but this experience projected him in a whole new light. Housed within woods by the mind blowing Architecture of Atsushi Kitagawara, this private collection of Harings works couldn't have felt more enticing.

'All your favourites.. in miniature'

2010-08-23T15:06:00.007+01:00

Back in the days where I still regarded the word blog as a typo, my work featured in a smashing illustration-bible-type-affair aptly titled 'The Picture Book'. This September will see it reissued by publishers Laurence King, but this time its pocket sized. Well almost..

Studio Flowers..

2010-08-18T15:28:00.004+01:00

The arrival of an absolutely beautiful bunch of flowers this week gives me an excuse to show my new studio space to you too.. Thanks Dear, X

'Tokyo Graphic Passport'

2010-08-11T15:08:00.005+01:00

I've begun to realise to my own annoyance, that personally I am a little full of contradictions. A prolific one is the fact that I'm terrified of public speaking, which shrinks me to the status of a twitching, plum faced, incoherent wreck of an artist. Unless that is, I'm invited out of the UK to perform..! Presto, then it all seems kind of bearable. Last year saw me in Sydney to be part of the 'Semi-Permanent' design conference. I loved it so much I stayed six weeks. Next month sees my return to Tokyo, this time to participate at their 'Tokyo Graphic Passport' . I've rarely felt so inspired by a city in such a short amount of time. My previous two visits left me eager to return at any available opportunity. I simply can't wait. Just don't mention the 'talk'... eurgh.

2010-08-02T21:57:00.002+01:00

Two of my most recent commissions have involved me addressing the issue of type, as well as illustration. It's too early to spill the beanz but I'm quite excited, albeit prematurely, at the thought of the published result. Once my initial anxieties had dispersed and I started to tackle the task ahead, I even managed to enjoy it. Always a good feeling.

Birthday Cards..

2010-07-26T12:29:00.005+01:00

2010-07-13T15:38:00.004+01:00

On reflection, the majority of this years blogging has featured Kate Nash's Campaign.

Above is an alternate Cover test, used up eventually within the Album Packaging. Below is a silkscreen of Fluffy, described by Kate herself as her bestfriend. Aw!

Creative Review, 'Illustration Annual 2010'

2010-07-08T15:52:00.007+01:00

Phew! I made it ...

Dear Andy.. Love Mick, X

2010-06-13T10:38:00.007+01:00

Admittedly I wasn't around in the heady, laissez-faire days of music sleeve artwork in the late 60's and for artistic reasons how I wish I was. In fact, how I wish I was for financial reasons too judging by this letter.. Maybe this is an extreme example of a collaboration between two (in the words of Andy Wahol) 'Superstars'. However, within my short career creating sleeve artwork things have definitely changed. I seem to reflect more and more on my first few Campaigns with a large pair of rose tinted specs. This is not to say that my joy and love for making pictures to be used in this fashion, has diminished in any way... it is still incredibly rewarding.

It's a 'Nash Up'..

2010-06-12T10:45:00.004+01:00

'Exit Calm'

2010-05-13T18:02:00.005+01:00

Affectionately referred to as 'Polythene Pam' by my lovely friend Georgia, 'Pamela' has once again become the subject matter of a silkscreen print. This time she's become the cover star for 'Exit Calms' eponymous album, released this coming Monday, May 17th. It's receiving amazing reviews and is most definitely worth a good, long, listen. Nice one Simon et al. Oh, and thanks mum...

'Simple Times'

2010-05-06T15:48:00.003+01:00

April 12th saw Joshua Radins second Album 'Simple Times', UK release.

Creatively it involved a simple treatment of a black & white photograph of the singer himself, injecting it with strong, bold, textured slabs of colour.

'The Longshot'

2010-04-27T12:44:00.009+01:00

A silkscreen collage saw its way to becoming the latest album cover for Cambridge based folksters Megson. Due for release on June 7th and nominated for the second year running for the BBC Folk Awards, they are most definitely worth a listen.

Faulty Wiring...

2010-04-23T15:52:00.008+01:00

I was disappointed this week to be informed an illustration hot off the press for Wired magazine was to be dropped minutes later. Editorial pieces are often a struggle for me due to the nature of the silkscreen technique. It doesn't lend itself to quick alterations, the replacement of images, re-sizing etc. I really thought I'd cracked it for this brief and had thoroughly enjoyed creating the brain with all it's little cogs.

Me & Mat Maitland

2010-04-19T13:10:00.007+01:00

Here's a flashy little pack shot of the finished Campaign. It was a joy to be back in the co-pilot seat with Art Director Mat Maitland, a very competent illustrator in his own right. Check out his own stunning portfolio here...

The lovely 'Miss Kate Nash'

2010-04-17T16:59:00.005+01:00

"My Best Friend is You", Kate Nash's second album is released this Monday. It can feel like a life time to wait for your artwork to finally adorn the finished product. Today I was unexpectedly chuffed to see a big ad for it on the back of Time Out Magazine whilst popping out for a coffee. Kate and her 'girls' have been a complete joy to work with... I wish I'd have been that savvy at twenty two. Go kate! X

Two rainbows are better than one...

2010-04-08T15:17:00.003+01:00

Photograph, Amber Rowlands

Kate Nash, "My Best Friend is You"

2010-03-26T15:39:00.013Z

It has been a long time since I've blogged of late, this is because the charismatic Miss Kate Nash has been keeping me busy for the past six weeks with her latest Album Campaign. Our initial concept involved a days photoshoot to gather informal shots of her, which further down the line became the material for my silkscreen collages, later to become her sleeve art. Pictured here are the monotone test prints ... 'run-offs' in one colour to show me how the photograph has transferred in the silkscreen process. Seductive in their clean simplicity, they often become the favoured part of my process, reverted to often throughout the campaign and have even been known to make the final sleeve.

"Midwinter Sun'

2010-03-02T21:17:00.009Z

'The Birds are back ..'

2010-01-28T09:02:00.012Z

My bird prints are back in town, but this time they are one hundred percent hand silkscreened. Originally created for an in-house fashion brochure for Libertys back in the day, they were initially released as a low run Giclée print through my agents shop, Product of God. It always felt slightly incongruous to my work that I hadn't printed them myself. There was good reason for this... they are hugely time consuming to create! But in hindsight, most definitely worth it. They can be purchased online through my blog, or see them in the flesh at 'Elphicks ', Columbia Road.

'Two Birds' / size - 372mm X 487mm / colours (layers) - 13 /

Edition - 6 / Price, £188.
Printed on 640gsm Archival Fabriano, Hot Pressed.

'One Bird' / size - 257mm X 365mm / colours (layers) - 10 / Printed on 640gsm Archival Fabriano, Hot Pressed. Edition - 12. Price, £118.
Enquiries, email here..

An Auction with OXFAM, in Aid Of Haiti Earthquake.

2010-01-24T21:17:00.008Z

Emily Eavis is working with OXFAM to create an online auction of one-off items from artists that money can't buy in the hope of raising funds to go quickly and directly to those that need it. She visited Haiti with Oxfam in 2002... "We witnessed some incredible people facing extreme hardship head-on with immense strength in spirit and no self pity. As we have all seen from the reports, Haiti simply does not have the resources to cope with a disaster on this scale and desperately needs our help now."
I'm happy to contribute a one-off Silkscreen Print commissioned by the Chemical Brothers for their Brotherhood Album in 2008. Whilst viewing the auction I noticed Tom & Ed (The Chemical Brothers) have donated a drum machine, pictured above.
Many more donations are coming in now from artists including Manic Street Preachers, Vivian Westwood, Radiohead artist Stanley Donwood, Doves, DJ Shadow, Jeremy Deller, Magic Numbers and many more so please check OXFAMS shop on Ebay for regular updates.

'WCRS' New Year Print

2010-01-10T21:53:00.007Z

My final project for 2009 saw me working alongside Luke Williamson, from Ad Agency WCRS.
His brief for me was a joy. I was given carte blanche to create a kind of pseudo Christmas-cum-New Year Print to be sent out to all of their clients. The Edition was quite big, five hundred and fifty to be precise, so three colours were my limit. By using four different papers for my base colour, a little more variety was achieved. To finish, each print was hand trimmed, numbered, stamped and wrapped.

'Happy 2010'

2010-01-10T21:08:00.008Z

I couldn't help but go break my golden Blog rule today, (one must try to only 'blog' about silkscreen printing & related artwork blah blah...) and upload these picture postcard views of one of my favourite places to be. Hampstead Heath. Pictured above is one of my 'tray' co-pilots, Freddie.

Browsing Copy - A project to save used books.

2009-11-27T00:01:00.006Z

Roy Poh from 'A Beautiful Design' launched his 'Browsing Copy' exhibition at the 'Useless Gallery' in Singapore, this week. I was sent a book to save a while back & wasn't quite sure what to do with it. I finally decided the only way to integrate the project in to my day without causing myself undue stress, was to screen directly on to its pages with what ever I was working on at the time. Cue more birds and triangles... topped up with a few random stickers. With it's eclectic theme and a beautiful website, it's definitely worth a look.

'Midcentury Modern Show' - this Sunday November 15th.

2009-11-12T21:43:00.008Z

A quick reminder that myself & James Brown will be taking our first stand this weekend at the 'Midcentury Show' in Dulwich, Sunday only between 10am - 4pm. I have four new Silkscreen editions to show, one of them is a twenty colour Silkscreen bonanza! Everything is for sale and with my recently acquired framing skills under my belt, things are really taking shape. Hope to see you there...

"Shapes are my friends"

2009-11-02T16:35:00.007Z

A couple of Sundays ago Dan Canyon from 'Spine Magazine' came to film my studio. His timing couldn't have been more perfect due to my impending move. His magazine is the sister site of 'Spine Tv', a new online television station. As uncomfortable as it is to watch yourself, I loved our informal afternoon spent printing and chatting away. Having recently been asked in a magazine interview ...
"You also seem to use Photoshop – is there a special reason why you insist on using traditional methods for an
effect that is arguably more simply achievable with Photoshop?"... it's good to show why I don't rely on the Mac and what a wonderful technique Silkscreen is.

"Testing testing ..."

2009-10-25T16:25:00.008Z

November 15th sees myself and James Brown presenting our wares alongside each other at Midcentury Modern, the Imperial College Dulwich. In preparation for this I'm working on a host of new editions. Whilst experiencing the usual technical & creative hiccups along the way, i've learnt to see the beauty in these creative blips. Not only do I end up with even more limited edition, Limited Editions ... the dwindling numbers have created a curious collection of 'one-off' test prints. It would seem apparent that however hard I try to produce silkscreens in multiples, my intuition to make something individual, unique even, is far too strong.

'Dries Fridge'

2009-10-23T12:26:00.005+01:00

Under some duress, I've decided to ditch my studio fridge. It is exhausted and not serving me well. I will miss looking at 'Blue boy' though, a constant reminder of one of my all time favourite jobs, a series of illustrations for Dries Van Notens Spring / Summer catalogue.

'City Magazine', New York City

2009-10-19T17:36:00.003+01:00

Since Big Active's June trip to New York for Le Book's 'Connections' show, our friends at City Magazine have featured nine illustrators from the event in their October Arts Issue. I was delighted to be part of it. To view it online click here.

October 6th ...

2009-10-06T19:26:00.000+01:00

'Super shiny stickers'

2009-09-22T13:59:00.000+01:00

'Pick up a Penguin'

2009-09-11T14:44:00.003+01:00

Having been fortunate to have illustrated seventeen book covers for the 'father of science fiction', Mr Herbert George Wells, I've been busy turning three of these images into a series of Silkscreen Prints. To begin, I've chosen 'The Invisible Man' & 'The Sleeper Awakes' as they are two personal favourites. They will soon be available for purchase on 'Product of God' as well as directly through my blog. As usual ... watch this space.

'The Lost goods Building', Paddington New Yard

2009-09-09T20:05:00.013+01:00

Our Great Western Community is being re-housed in just a few weeks time, to make room for Crossrail. Fortunately, we're being shunted a mere few hundred yards up the gravel track to our new home with views over the Regents Canal. And proper heating ... a luxury for sure. 'The Lost Goods Building', (as it's more affectionately known to us early dwellers), is a unique space and I'm most sad to be going and witnessing daily the disbanding of a wonderful community of artists. Considering London isn't known for its great weather, more often than not I would leave for home to a beautiful evening sky over the train tracks of Paddingtons New Yard.
(Please note - my windows are filthy!)

One of a kind at 'Elphicks'

2009-08-27T15:49:00.008+01:00

Fresh off my print table, a one-off piece that I'll be delivering to Elphicks, ready for the coming bank holiday weekend. Multi-layered and over printed, the outcome is often a far cry from my initial thoughts and ideas. Almost like I'd lost a few prints along the way, although physically they are under there, somewhere.

'Elphicks'

2009-08-17T13:43:00.005+01:00

I've always admired Elphicks on Columbia Road and feel very pleased to announce that they are now stocking my silkscreens.
The prints they are showing are a mixture of low run Editions as well as some one-off pieces.
'Pamela', pictured above, is only available through Elphicks and soon to be available through their online shop, here.
Open Sunday 9am-4pm / By appointment Monday-Friday / 160 Columbia Road, E2.

'YCN', 72 Rivington Street

2009-08-10T16:28:00.007+01:00

My most recent collaboration has seen me create a Limited Edition Print for YCN, available through them only either online, or by popping down to their Rivington Street HQ. It now has it's own unique library which I wasted no time in joining. Receiving my library card by post a few days later was a joyous moment ...

It has been a pleasure to meet and work alongside Nick @ YCN, as well as the whole YCN team. I find it to be a most inspiring environment which seems to change and evolve between my every visit. Of late, these have been almost weekly so there is a wealth of creativity to be constantly observed. A visit is highly recommended ... the 'downstairs' is open publicly from 10am, Monday - Friday.
The print I have created for them is an abstract three colour silkscreen, with an added fourth layer of letterpress depicting the five lines of the YCN identity. My idea loosely stems from observing the use of traditional end papers in publishing. This is the first time i have combined two print making techniques in one image, but it certainly won't be the last.

"Yay, I'm WIRED"

2009-06-24T16:30:00.006+01:00

My illustrations for Wired Magazine are out now in the July issue ... in America.
You can view them online 'here' or pop to one of those super nice specialist magazine book shop type places and pick up a copy in the UK. It's an excellent and informative read ... if it all gets a bit wordy, there's some nice pictures too!

"A new and improved L O V E "

2009-06-18T17:50:00.009+01:00

I've been meaning to reinvent 'Love', a little, for a long time now ... and here it is. It's more expensive than my first love ... but has new layers of ink & is an edition of only thirteen.

' new L O V E ' Poster
Hand silkscreened on Black Gloss Chromalux Paper,
Dimensions - 50 X 70cms,
(Edition- 13)
Price, £115 (incl P&P for the UK, for postal prices outside the UK please email),
Each Print is hand stamped & signed,
Enquiries, please email - info@thisisanoriginalscreenprint.com

'Going, going .... All gone?'

2009-06-11T17:00:00.015+01:00

If you regularly peep at my blog you will be aware that since December of last year I've started to produce a few Limited Edition Prints, mainly available to purchase through my blog. They have been quite popular, much to my delight.
Below is the current availability ...

'All sorts' - Edition of 16 / Availability - SOLD OUT

'Obrumpent 2' - Edition of 10 / Availability - SOLD OUT

' L O V E ' - Edition of 13 / Availability - 3 (on Black Chromalux Paper)

Edition of 8 / Availability - 2 (on Off-white Chromalux Paper)

'Five Easy Pieces' - Edition of 4 / Availability - 1

Enquiries, please email - info@thisisanoriginalscreenprint.com

Is rejection necessarily a bad thing?

2009-06-07T17:31:00.003+01:00

I've just finished four illustrations for Wired Magazine USA, July issue.
Above is the one that didn't make it ... but the good news is the other four are much improved because of it!

"Colouring In"

2009-04-16T05:41:00.012+01:00

So I made it to Sydney and had a wonderful time at the 'Semi Permanent' Conference. Curated and created by Andrew & Murray at 'Design Is Kinky', it was great to finally meet them and their SP crew after months of emailing, preparation and nerves. As envisaged the auditorium was huge, with over two thousand people attending both days. I felt thoroughly inspired by 'WIRED magazines' Creative Director, Scott Dadich. His talk spanned the history of the magazine and its content. They work with a broad range of photographers, illustrators, model makers and writers to create topical features, looking at current social, economic and political issues that sit on beautifully designed pages with fantastic visual accompaniments. Go get yourself a copy and indulge in their personalised type face... it makes for easy reading,
If you check online at some point soon photographs, podcasts (hilarious no doubt...) and video footage will be available to view. The hugely talented painter Ron English gave a great talk on his work, and political antics, definitely worth a view.
Above and below are some snaps of the day and a few of my title visuals from my talk, "Colouring In".

2009-03-24T17:42:00.005Z

From tomorrow my blog will be having a well deserved rest... it'll be back soon though, nice and refreshed.
Any enquiries, please email me at the usual address ... if you need a Portfolio please email my agent at Big Photographic.

'The Art of Tennis'

2009-03-20T13:47:00.009Z

One of my first projects for 2009 was commissioned by the sports brand Ellesse, to produce a piece of artwork to advertise a competition to mark their 50th Anniversary year. They are offering the great british public an opportunity to ..."create a piece of Art or Design to commemorate the Ellesse 50th Anniversary, inspired by the brands Italian heritage and sporting routes in tennis".
My initial response to their brief is shown above and the second test print underneath. You'll have to enter the competition to see the finished piece.

NEW Edition ... "Obrumpent 2"

2009-03-05T17:56:00.011Z

Inspired by my work for the National Literary Trust, I've literally just finished an extra special ten 'obrumpent' prints. So, very hot of the press as such. Each print has two extra colours, gold and an opaque red. You can see these in more detail on the crops provided.

"Obrumpent 2"
Hand silkscreened on 'Archival Quality Black Daler Board',
Colours - 16,
Dimensions - 21 X 29.7cms ( A4 size ),
Edition - 10,
Price - £75 + £4 P&P for the UK, (for postal prices outside the UK please email),
Each Print is hand stamped, numbered & signed,
To Purchase, please email - info@thisisanoriginalscreenprint.com

'Obrumpent'

2009-03-03T14:35:00.010Z

As mentioned in a previous post, I am taking part in an exhibition on 'Lost Words' to raise money for The National Literacy Trust. To help things along a bit I thought it appropriate to make a new Edition for the occasion, so here it is...

'Obrumpent'
Adj, meaning breaking or bursting,
Hand silkscreened on 'Archival Quality Black Daler Board',
14 Colour Screen Print,
Dimensions - 21 X 29.7cms ( A4 size ),
Edition - 10,
Each Print is hand stamped, numbered & signed.
Enquiries - Come down to the Exhibition or send an email to - projects@textgallery.info

*All proceeds to the National Literacy Trust to provide children with books.

"Going ... going ... GONE"

2009-02-28T14:13:00.002Z

I am thrilled to report that the piece of (music related) artwork i donated to Cancer Researchs 'Sound & Vision' fund raising evening at Abbey Road, sold for £1,500. In total over £190,000 was raised throughout the evening. Fantastic eh.

'The Art of Lost Words'

2009-02-26T17:37:00.006Z

'Text/Gallery' are curating an exhibition on behalf of the National Literacy Trust entitled 'the art of lost words' ...
"What happens to forgotten words - chucked in language's landfill while the world sweeps on in pursuit of new phrases? For the space of one week they'll be exhumed and recycled into objects of beauty by invited designers and illustrators".
Work will be sold as one-off originals or limited editions at the discretion of the contributor, and proceeds will go towards the National Literacy Trust, helping to enable disadvantaged children to choose and keep free books.
The Exhibition runs from 5th - 10th March at 'The German Gym', Pancras Road, NW1 2TB.
Come down and find out what my word is!

Tappin Gofton

2009-02-20T17:39:00.005Z

It was so exciting to see that Mark & Simon have their new website up and running.
I've collaborated with them for many years and have been patiently waiting for this moment, all their wonderful achievements viewable at the click of a finger. One really is spoilt for choice, well done Tappin Gofton.
I've selfishly chosen two pages to show you, featuring my work! I feel some of my best work has been with them so it seemed apt ... and their photography is much more beautiful than my quick digital snaps.

'Semi-Permanent' 3 & 4th April 2009

2009-02-19T17:00:00.007Z

I couldn't believe my luck when I was invited to be part of 'Semi-Permanent', an annual Design conference held in Sydney, Australia. My initial thoughts of sunshine, open space and the great outdoors, (especially after our previous two British summers) quickly diminished when they turned towards thoughts of public speaking in a large auditorium! However, not one to miss out on such an amazing window of opportunity, I will be heading off for my antipodean adventure towards the end of March. There are guest speakers from around the globe, check online for more information,

'Sound & Vision 2009'

2009-02-19T15:41:00.007Z

'Sound & Vision' 2009 has arrived, once again hosted at Abbey Road Studios. Myself and Tommy Penton have donated original artworks, all of which can be viewed along with others online.
This year for the first time, I have donated a piece of artwork made for a Chemical Brothers campaign. It's a one-off silkscreen print used as sleeve artwork for their album 'We Are The Night'. There's still a chance to win tickets for the evening where Paul Weller and Stereophonics will play live and plenty of champagne floats about. All of this in aid of an excellent cause that I imagine has affected us all in one way or another in our own lives.

'Valentines Schmalentines'

2009-01-27T15:55:00.006Z

I've been silkscreening these LOVE posters for a while now, mainly selling them at our Open Studio weekends and giving them to friends. Now they are available to buy online. I print them in batches, ten or so at a time. Currently they are printed on Black Gloss Chromalux Paper. Colours vary with each set printed ... this batch have a mint through to jade green fade in the background with a warm gold on top. But I'm thinking with Valentines approaching a strong red fading through pink to gold could be appropriate.
Details below ....

' L O V E ' Poster
Hand silkscreened on Black Gloss Chromalux Paper,
Dimensions - 50 X 70cms,
(Open Edition)
Price - £45 incl P&P for the UK, (for postal prices outside the UK please email),
Each Print is hand stamped & signed,
Enquiries, please email - info@thisisanoriginalscreenprint.com

'Huck Magazine'

2009-01-12T17:09:00.010Z

Before Christmas the nice people at Huck Magazine came over to the studio to feature me in their next issue. Working on a series of portraits capturing artists in their studios, you can also see each of the ten chosen artists work online at Huck, with a bit of a Q&A too. Huck also has a sister magazine called 'Little White Lies'. It's well worth a peek and available at your local newsagent(!). Not one to have my picture taken I had to alter their great photograph slightly I'm afraid....

'Monograph' Booklet

2008-12-02T14:28:00.006Z

I was extremely chuffed to be approached by Creative Review to be the 'theme' for the December issue of their 'Monograph' Booklet. A whole eighteen pages all on me, I felt a little spoilt. I'm afraid you only receive a copy if you are a subscriber, so below are some of the spreads.

The Reverse ...

2008-11-17T17:50:00.004Z