This recent Manchester graduate trades long hours and extreme levels of concentration for some wonderfully detailed illustrations on an unusual canvas.
Where do you go for inspiration?
I take myself away from my usual surroundings and do something totally unrelated to work, maybe go to Blackpool for the day or the hills just outside Manchester. For my recent prints I’ve taken inspiration from the considerable amount of curious objects that have gradually been accumulating in our family home, some might say that we could be featured on ‘The Hoarder Next Door’.
How do you develop your concepts?
Since I began carving wood blocks about nine months ago I’ve had to work to tight college deadlines. Rather than spending time worrying about why I was doing something, I was always eager to be hands on. I am pleased that I have found a medium that I am inspired to work with and in the future I will have a lot more freedom to challenge myself with different imagery and concepts.
How did your interest in working with wallpaper arise?
I haven’t found many people working with hand-block printed wallpaper and this encourages me to pursue this traditional print process and gives me confidence to think that what I am doing is somewhat unusual. I like the scale of wallpaper, the idea of my prints expanding across a whole room is satisfying. I want to make a living and develop as an artist and wallpaper is something practical that people hopefully might want to buy.
How long does a typical woodblock take to do?
I have several on the go at once and they probably average about a week each. When I get in the carving mood I can go on for days, hardly stopping for a break. It takes a lot of concentration; one slip of the hand can take out a whole chunk of wood that can’t be replaced.
Tell us a trade secret.
Slow down. Technology seems to be moving so fast that it is difficult not to be overwhelmed by it; it’s good to take a step back and slow down to appreciate each part of the making process.
What’s been your most interesting creative collaboration?
Although not strictly a collaboration, I have loved learning to work with a stunning 175 year old Columbian printing press this year in Manchester, the physical action of using the press feels a long way from sitting at a desk carving. I like the hard work needed to produce a print.
Tell us about your most productive accident/valuable mistake?
I have found it extremely challenging to join the blocks up perfectly every time. It is a really delicate process placing the block on the paper and there is only one chance to get it right; because of this every print is slightly different in the way it joins and the thickness of the ink sometimes varies. I tend to be a perfectionist by nature and I am learning to embrace the imperfections that come with this hand process. I have been gradually realising that the quirks and irregularities that happen along the way are all part of it.
What would be your fantasy commission?
Decorating the walls of William and Kate’s new home and getting paid enough to build an amazing studio and kit it out with a custom-made printing press.
What's next for you?
I’ve just left college and moved back to the countryside in Oxfordshire. My first job now is to find a suitable press of my own; the chickens have to be moved out of their shed and nettles cleared so I can make a workshop. I have to stay focused and take one step at a time.
clairefloreyhitchcox.wix.com
