Carol Nunan | Contemporary Scottish Printmaker on the Isle of Bute

Contemporary Monotype & Collagraph Prints | Scottish & Northumberland Landscapes

In 1998, struggling with postnatal depression, I walked into my first printmaking workshop. I had no idea that pulling those first prints would change the entire trajectory of my life. Today, from my garden studio overlooking Rothesay Bay, I create bold monotypes and collagraphs that capture the wild beauty of Scotland and Northumberland—and I've spent two decades helping others discover printmaking's transformative power.

Where It All Started

There is a strong artistic vein running in my family. My great-aunt studied at London's prestigious Slade School in the early 1930s —a rare achievement for a woman at that time.

My cousins, my son and I each followed that creative spark into painting, printmaking, ceramics and cinematography.

"That familial connection to the Slade became a kind of permission to pursue art seriously."

A Journey Across Continents

Ireland → Zambia → Ireland → South Africa → Northumberland → Isle of Bute

I was born in Ireland but spent my formative years in Zambia, absorbing cultures and landscapes that have influenced my approach to art.

At sixteen, I returned to Ireland. After graduating from The National College of Art & Design in Dublin with a degree in Visual Communications, I headed to South Africa to explore graphic design.

Cape Town is where I met my husband. We settled in Northumberland, and seven years later, fulfilled our dream of moving to Scotland's Isle of Bute.

Each move taught me to embrace change and follow what brings joy.

The Transformative Power of Printmaking

1998 was a turning point. While recovering from postnatal depression, I attended my first printmaking workshop seeking relief. I found so much more.

Printmaking awakened something dormant in me—the power of artistic self-expression.

My teacher and I eventually partnered to establish an independent printmaking studio, properly launching both our careers. Years later, I opened my own studio in Hexham, Northumberland.

But here's what surprised me most: Over two decades of teaching, I witnessed printmaking transform the lives of people struggling with mental health challenges—just as it had transformed mine.

What Inspires My Work

From rugged coastlines to ancient historic sites, my work is rooted in the landscapes I've called home:

Northumberland

• The untamed landscapes of Northumbria

• Historic sites along Hadrian's Wall and the Northumbrian coastline.

• The wild beauty of Northumberland National Park

Scotland's West Coast

• Dramatic, moody island vistas

• The ever-changing light over Rothesay Bay

• Rich wildlife of the Isle of Bute's moors and shorelines

🦅 Every location tells a story through bold marks and unexpected colours.

Today, I work from my garden studio overlooking Rothesay Bay. The ever-changing light, dramatic weather, and seasonal shifts continuously inform my work. Each morning brings new possibilities—and the thrill of never quite knowing what will emerge from the press.

Part of the Artistic Community

I'm an active member of The Isle of Bute Artists Collective, Printmakers of Scotland, and Glasgow Print Studio. You can find my work in galleries like The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle Upon Tyne, The Glasgow Gallery, Barony Art Centre, and gift shops throughout the UK.