A glimpse into my studio space

Are you like me and are a little bit nosy? and want to have a nose at someone’s studio space? Have you ever wondered what a lino printmaker gets up to in their studio? Obviously I cannot speak for all printmakers and artists but I can let you in on one of my recent printing days and give you a little insight into my creative space

Let me tell you about where my studio is

I’ve been at Pennywell Studios in Bristol for since January 2019. I had a brief spell working from home after my previous studio was taken over by new management and a group of us were evicted. At the time Pennywell Studios was just being set up and many of us saw the potential of the new space and moved in

The studios are on the first floor of a converted warehouse, in a huge room that used to house documents for an insurance company. It's now home to over 70 creatives and makers: potters, painters, textile artists, architects, writers, programmers, and printmakers.

It’s a massive open-plan space, cleverly divided up into units with repurposed wood pallets. Its surprisingly calm and cosy to work from; there’s a lounge-dining area, a meeting room, and even a sound-proofed shed for private phone calls!

Let me tell you about my studio

It took a while to get my space working for me. My desk space is where all my designing and lino chopping happens. I have a printing area served by a press on wheels which is a handy bit of kit, both for positioning where I really need it, and popping it out of the way when not in use. And I have a separate area where I do all my metal sculpting

I’ve managed to fill my space up with plants too, which are a constant inspiration for me. I have quite a collection, both at home and in the studio: they make me happy, which is vital for any workplace I reckon. I wanted a space that I feel really comfortable in and from where I can be productive; I feel I’ve done that here

What’s a typical day in the studio like?

Usually the first thing I will do is have a coffee and have bit of a think about what I’m going to do that day

I always work on a few botanical lino prints at a time, especially if I’m using the reduction method as each layer can take up to a week to dry

So I’m working on a few designs at a time so that can mean my day/week can be a mixture of cutting lino and printing them

This takes up the bulk of my time in the studio, but I also do the occasional admin there, but I try and keep it as a creative space rather than an office space

I’ve recently completed a set of 3 black and white botanical lino prints and my next blog post will show all about them. Coming Soon

And finally ….

I hope you have enjoyed having a little peek into my studio space.

To find out more about my working processes please have a read of my other Blog Posts

Links

Shop Black and White Lino Prints - I have a wide collection of single coloured lino prints which would look great on your walls or make perfect gifts for all plant enthusiast, all at affordable prices

Colourful Lino Prints - if you need a bit more colour in your life then my colourful lino prints using the reduction method could be the thing for you

Pennywell Studios - is part of Pennywell Project which is a community driven creative space located in the heart of Bristol. The project aims to bring together local creatives and likeminded people in a dynamic, multi-use space