James is passionate about lino printing and is inviting you to give it a try
James Harris | Published 13/06/2024, last updated 09/07/2024
James Harris, a local artist and Collections Officer at the Corinium Museum, is passionate about lino printing and is inviting you to give it a try. Below, James shares his experience with lino printing and discusses what to expect if you attend his upcoming workshop.
Lino printing is a different way of preparing art. It involves carving a design into a linoleum surface, inking it, and pressing it onto paper. What you cut into the lino is the opposite of what you print. This requires thinking about outlines and blocks of colour in a different way to drawing and painting.
For me, lino printing is more than just a method of creating finished art. It's a sensory experience: the smell of the lino as you start to cut into it; the smooth feeling of the tool moving through the lino; the sound of the roller; and the resistance of the paper as you slowly and gently pull it away from the block to reveal the first print - which invariably doesn't come out perfectly until you try again. As someone with ADHD, lino printing is a really helpful exercise as it requires you to slow down and make a step by step plan.
I love working at Corinium Museum. It is a privilege to work with the known material culture of the ancient Cotswolds. The objects on display provide some super inspiration for artwork. Much of the decorative designs found on prehistoric pottery, Roman jewellery and mosaics, medieval floor tiles, and more, all offer inspiration for bold graphic designs, perfect for lino printing.
If you'd like to come and have a go, you'll learn the basics of lino printing, from carving techniques to inking and pressing. We'll be using easy cut lino. You can draw inspiration from the museum's collection and create your own prints. This workshop is suitable for both beginners and experienced artists looking to explore a new medium.
If you're interested in joining James to learn more about lino printing and connecting with the history of the Cotswolds, join him at the Corinium Museum. Spaces are limited, so book your place today.
Friday, 28th June, from 10:30am to 2pm, Corinium Museum.
