Swansea Print Workshop

Participating Artist in the ImPORT/ExPORT exchange programme with EDINBURGH PRINTMAKERS

With a passion for traditional European architecture, I have been inspired to visit and draw many cities throughout Europe. I have focused on the style, shape and intricacies of the buildings to draw attention to it’s individual, unique and most beautiful qualities. Based in Edinburgh, I find I have endless inspiration from the Victorian, Georgian and gothic architecture around me. I am always looking to loosen my drawing style whether it be through the medium or the subject matter.

Drawing and printmaking is the inspiration and essence of my work. I start with a drawing and develop it through a series of layers in the screenprint process. The layers can consist of textures, handwritten text, computer text or graphic patterns. My layering process involves up to 20+ different transparencies which are mostly hand generated and then overlaid in various degrees of transparent and opaque ink.

Ever since I was first introduced to screen printing while studying for my illustration degree, it has been an ongoing passion to explore the endless possibilities of layering text and imagery together. I think the one thing printmakers have in common is their love for the surprise element that comes with printing, not ever knowing exactly what results you’re going to achieve with working via a substrate rather than directly onto paper.

‘When I’m in the studio printing, there’s no place I’d rather be’.

Kelly continues to make original screen prints at Edinburgh printmakers workshop, and runs screenprinting, drawing and bookbinding workshops at Swansea Print Workshop.