About
Originally from Carnoustie in Angus, I have lived in rural Northumberland since 2003. I live in the hamlet of Lanehead in Tarset with my husband Chris, and our dogs, George and Dave. We are fortunate enough to be surrounded by stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, all underneath the dark skies of Northumberland National Park. This is the inspiration for my work. I am particularly drawn to hares, fascinated by the mystery and folklore that has surrounded them through the
My solo exhibition “Lepus - a printmaker’s celebration of the hare” is currently showing at Allendale Forge Studios & Gallery. It runs until 31st October. There will be a website print release of new work featuring in this exhibition, in October.
I also produce digital art and illustrations. I collaborated with author Anna Barker to illustrate her book of short stories “Rain Hare”, published in June 2022.
I attend a handful of fairs each year, as well as selling to trade. My cards and prints are available in a small number of galleries and shops in Northumberland and the Borders.
Printmaking techniques
Linocut printing is a relief printing technique, where an image is hand carved onto a piece of linoleum. Linoleum is made of rubber and linseed oil, backed with hessian. I draw a sketch and transfer it onto the linoleum. I use a selection of sharp tools to carve out my image. The tools I use are Pfiel and Flexcut. I use a roller to coat the linoleum block with good quality oil based ink. I take a test print by laying a piece of paper on top, and burnish it with a glass baren, applying an even pressure until the ink is transferred. For larger prints I use my hydraulic press from Lawrence Printmakers. I also use an antique Albion press in the Northern Print studio. The final prints are printed onto specialist paper. I use a selection, but predominantly Japanese Hosho paper, and Nepalese Lokta paper.
Screen printing is a technique of printmaking using a stencil and a fabric mesh screen (synthetic or silk) stretched tightly over a frame. The stencil blocks areas that are not to be printed. There are several methods of creating a stencil; by applying paper, painting using a screen blocking solution, or using light sensitive emulsion to develop a “positive” image onto the screen. Ink or dye is then forced through the screen with a squeegee onto the surface below. Colours are printed in separate layers, using different stencils to make up the final image.
Cyanotypes originated in the 1840s and was one of the first non silver techniques to create photographic images. It was later adopted as a copying technique, becoming known as “blue print”. It is a negative process, so where light does not hit the sensitised material it remains white. I mix a solution of chemicals and paint it on a heavyweight paper, or fabric, which is put in a dark place to dry (as the solution renders the material sensitive to UV light). I then place items on top of the paper which form the subject of my image. If making a wet cyanotype I spray it with cider vinegar or use soap bubbles as they react with the paper. I place glass on top and expose to sunshine, or on dark days you can use a UV lamp. Once happy with the exposure I wash the paper/material until all the residue is gone. As it dries it oxidises, turning blue.
Shop
Events
OPEN NOW. Solo exhibition “Lepus”- a printmaker’s celebration of the hare, runs for the month of October at Allendale Forge.
A 3D2D event, this premier Arts, Craft & Design fair is held inside, and in the grounds, of Newbattle Abbey. Free entry.
Exhibition currently running in the gallery at Northern Print. A new printed Bestiary and Herbarium of species at risk by Northern Print artists. Runs until 13th July 2024
*Runs from 15th November until 21st December* Gathering is Northern Print’s final exhibition of 2023, presenting original prints by some of their studio printmakers, including myself. All works are for sale, prices start around £20.
Situated near Dalkeith, to the south of Edinburgh, the historic building was founded as a Cistercian Monastery in 1140 by King David I, and what is now Newbattle Abbey College became the Kerr family home in the 16th century, before becoming an adult residential college in 1937. The army requisitioned Newbattle during World War 2, and it opened its doors as a college again in 1950. It has retained many of the original features including the vaulted crypt and the breathtaking Drawing Room. Newbattle Abbey College is off Newbattle Road, Dalkeith, EH22 3LL. There is plenty of parking. Open 10:30am - 4pm each day. There is an £3 entrance fee (£2 Concession).
3d2d’s Edinburgh Christmas Art, Craft and Design Fair returns to the glorious surrounds of the Assembly Rooms in 2023. The Assembly Rooms are situated on George Street, in the heart of Edinburgh’s City Centre. Carefully refurbished with stunning chandeliers and period features, the Assembly Rooms play host to 120 of Britain’ finest Artists, Designers and Makers, all only selling their own work. Bag checks may be undertaken by the venue. The Assembly Rooms are easily accessible by bus, tram or train to nearby stations. The Christmas Fair is open from 10:30 - 5:00 each day. There is a £4 admission charge (£3 Concession).
3d2d’s Glasgow Christmas Fair returns in the last weekend of November 2022, but in a new venue! We’re making the move to The Briggait. This beautiful Grade A listed building in Glasgow’s medieval quarter was constructed in 1873 as a fishmarket, and operated as a market for over 100 years. It now houses WASPS Studios as well as art and cultural events throughout the year. Shop 60+ Artists, Designers and Makers, who only sell their own work. The Briggait is at 141 Bridgegate Glasgow, G1 5HZ and is easy to find. Open 10:30 - 5:00 each day. There is an £3 entrance fee (£2 Concession).
I will be joining other Northern & Borders artists & makers at this inaugural art & craft fair in the Pele Tower. The village of Cresswell, a popular tourist destination, sits at the southern end of the magnificent Druridge Bay in Northumberland. The impressive sandstone tower dominates the little village. Pele towers were built between 1350 and 1600 and were miniature castles built as a defensible retreat against attacks from the Border Reivers. At a time when the rest of England was generally peaceful and prosperous, the border folk needed the thick-walled bastle houses and pele towers simply to survive. Cresswell Pele Tower is a well preserved example, one of only two in preservation and open to the public, thanks to recent excavations and an extensive renovation by Cresswell Pele Tower Trust.
Returning for the 2nd year to this beautiful private residence, Art in the Castle will feature around 20 artists/creatives set within 4 rooms of the Castle. These beautiful rooms have the owner’s private art collection adorning the walls. A Tin Shed event.
Falstone Show Ground. Craft Marquee opens 9am. Don’t forget your wellies!
A Tin Shed Event
A Tin Shed Event
Perfect opportunity for Christmas shopping and supporting local artisans. This evening Christmas Market is in Bellingham Town Hall. Merry Christmas!
I will be joining around 120 artists, designers & makers in the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh for this 2 day Christmas Fair. Perfect for buying A special Christmas present or treating yourself! A 3d2d Event
Find me in the Creative Crafts Marquee
Find me in the Creative Crafts Association marquee at the Great British Food Festival in Dalkeith Country Park. Stunning scenery, lovely food and drink and lots of arts and crafts to browse through in our marquee. This will be my second year at this event.
A traditional country show with lots to see and do! You will find my stand in the craft marquee, I look forward to seeing you there.
I am looking forward to joining other artisans at this Tin Shed event in the beautiful village of Etal.
Local artists and crafters will be attending this summer fair in Bellingham Town Hall, come and support our independent small businesses.
This will be my first time at Etal village hall for this summer fair. Held monthly by The Tin Shed, lots of interesting art and crafts will be available. Looking forward to visiting this lovely village.
The GWCT Scottish Game Fair is a 3 day event set in the picturesque grounds of Scone Palace, Perth. I will be exhibiting in the 3d2d Events Art, Craft & Design marquee, along with many other artists/makers.
Rain Hare is a booking of 8 short stories written by award winning Author Anna Barker and published by Iron Press. I illustrated the inside of the book with 8 monochrome images, one for each story. It was a pleasure to work with Anna on her latest book and I look forward to seeing my copy. Rain Hare is available to pre-order now.
This is a Tin Shed event, held for the first time in the magnificent Scottish baronial mansion of Ayton Castle. A two day event in the borders, we will be situated in four beautiful rooms inside this historic building.
A huge date in the Northumberland diary, the County Show will be held on the bank holiday Friday for the Queen’s Jubilee. Am looking forward to my first time trading at this prestigious show.
A Creative Crafts Association event, this fair is being held inside Brockholes Nature Reserve, the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside. Beautiful setting for this indoor art and craft fair. Please note this nature reserve is a dog free zone, so do not bring your dog for the day (too hot to stay in the car!)
Located in the picturesque and historic town of Corbridge this is a monthly indoor market in the Parish Hall. I will be attending on Saturday 30th April, come and say hello!
A Spring Makers market, I will be joining lots of talented local artisans on Sunday 10th April at The Biscuit Factory Gallery. Entry is £2, a percentage of which will be donated to the relief fund for Ukraine.
Where you can find my work…
Olive & Myrtle
Homeware, Jewellery & Gifts
Olive & Myrtle is a lovely gift shop in Bellingham, Northumberland. Emily stocks handmade, fair trade and artisan goods, and supports local crafters and artists. I am delighted to have my linocut prints and cards in her shop.
Falstone Tearooms
Tearooms & Gift Shop
Falstone Tearooms is situated in the Victorian Old School in the picturesque village of Falstone. Carl and the team serve delicious food and beverages. The tearooms are bike, boot and dog friendly. You will find my cards and a selection of framed prints in the gift shop section.
Northern Print
Printmaking Studios and Gallery
Northern Print is based in Newcastle’s cultural quarter in the Ouseburn Valley. It is the centre for excellence in print making in the North East of England. I have a small selection of original linocut prints for sale in the gallery.
The Bellwether Gallery
Art Gallery & Gift Shop
In a converted 19th century haybarn in Charlton, near Bellingham, is the Bellwether Gallery. The gallery supports local artists & makers, showcasing a range of artwork and products. I have a small number of original linocut prints in the gallery, with thanks to Alice and Julian Morrison-Bell.
HIVE Gallery
Gallery, Art & Crafts Centre
HIVE is a vibrant art gallery owned by Scottish artist Terry Howson. A spacious gallery showcasing amazing artists and makers, HIVE can be found at 23a Market Square, Coldstream TD12 4BG. HIVE will also host art and crafts workshops. Perfect destination for buying art, jewellery, gifts. Terry will extend a warm welcome into her gallery, I highly recommend a visit.
Celtic Crafts Holy Island
Jewellery & Craft Shop
A family run business situated in a 400 year old cottage on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. A shop full of gifts, supporting local creatives and crafters. Celtic Crafts stock bespoke cards and prints.
Bloomhead
Eco Floral Design and Pottery
A selection of my cards can be found in Egle’s beautiful eco floral design shop. Bloomhead can be found in Chopwell Road, Blackhall Mill, Newcastle Upon Tyne.
Gallery
Testimonials
Contact
- Tigh Na Bruach, Lanehead, Tarset, Hexham, Northumberland
- NE48 1NT
