New Year Reflections on The Early Days of Printmaking
It Began With Taking a Leap of Faith
I will never forget the moment when I first became self-employed. I was terrified the day my former tutor, Rebecca Vincent and I signed the lease on our new independent print studio, Horsley Printmakers.
And yet … that venture turned out to be very successful. It gave me the confidence seven years later to go it alone. There was a bit of a hiatus along the way (hip replacement, husband’s redundancy) but eventually I found and set up my own studio a mile from my home in Hexham. My husband, Chris, eventually took early retirement and became my business manager.
Seven years after he joined me, we fulfilled our joint ambition to live in Scotland 33 years after coming to live in the UK. In our first year in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, we built a garden studio at our new home. What more could a woman ask for?
As Christmas 2023 approached, I dedicated a bit of time to revisiting my website. I was carrying out a review when I stumbled upon the remnants of my very first Blogger website dating back to 2008.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
I was transported back to the early days of making prints and why I started. Those early posts served as poignant reminders of the passion and excitement I felt as I travelled this road of exploring this avenue of creativity that I found so exciting.
What a journey of highs and lows it has been - an invaluable moment of introspection, offering insight into the growth, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped me today.
I Have No Regrets
It kindled a renewed sense of appreciation for what I have achieved and the unwavering passion that propelled me here in the first place. As I continue to navigate through the ebbs and flows I recognise that it is all part and parcel of the learning and development of my practice.
The Future Development of The Business and New Challenges.
Chris and I spent the final part of 2023 reviewing my product range to ensure my products remain cost effective during this cost of living crisis.
As of now, we are gradually replacing mini prints with new ceramic tiles. Making mini prints is very labour intensive. This is time I could spend experimenting and creating new original work. After trying out the ceramic tiles at Christmas, we've found that they are a great alternative. The tile size is bigger than the mini print image but smaller than the overall size of the box frame of the mini prints. Like mini prints, the tiles are versatile for small wall spaces and can be hung or placed on a shelf. We've partnered with a local craftsman, Ray Beverley, to offer simple tile stands made from recycled wood. The ceramic tiles will be officially launched very soon.
Further Product Changes Afoot - Maybe Collaborative Projects?
I want to freshen up my product range and continue to offer new, affordable alternative ways to display my prints and/or merchandise using my prints. If you're a product designer, would you be interested in collaborating? I'm looking for simple yet unique ideas that set my products out from the herd. I’m also open to partnerships with artists, designers, and organisations to build mutually beneficial relationships.
Reflecting on my journey as a printmaker and back to when I first graduated from art college, I never thought I'd be a full-time artist. I aimed to be a freelance graphic designer after gaining a few years industry experience. I've learned that tough times can bring big unexpected changes in direction but that period of industry experience still comes in useful today. With a positive mindset and willingness to seize opportunities, I have achieved the life I hoped for. How about you? What's your story?
Thank you for your continued support, and we can't wait to embark on this new chapter with you.
We're having a big sale on mini prints. Most are now less than half price. You can pre-order ceramic tiles from the HOME page until the tile page is ready. Click the button to email your order and use the numbers in the image to pick the tiles you want. Each tile costs £25 and comes in a gift box. The optional stand is £4 (not the one in the photo).