My Biography
I was first taught etching by Alan Lumsden at the Chester School of Art.
Along with the processes and techniques came an introduction to the
recognized practitioners such as Rembrandt, Goya, Griggs, Gross and
Hockney. Only a few years ago I was able to return to etching via Steffan
Jones-Hughes’ facilities at the open-access Print Studio at Yale College,
Wrecsam.
I find that combining drawing with the volatile medium of etching produces a
combination of effects that suit my ideas. I enjoy the security of tight
drawing and also the chance ambiguity that aquatints can produce. I like
the assurance of a familiar location and also the unknown reach of a star-
field. Etching offers the possibility of fusing all these elements.
Being the juggling-act that etching is, selections can be made from within
the variations of etch-time, colour, ink, paper, sundry additional processes
and presentation. However, in the end we can only do our best and then
step over into that threshold space that John Newling describes as 6
degrees above/below the horizon, that disorientating moment of twilight
where we become more open to rumours, hints and suggestions.
June 2009
