'Sheffield City View no.4' linocut/screenprint

Hello people

I have just completed work on a new print that I've been working on for a while, and I thought I'd mention it here. It is my fourth Sheffield city view, but this time I wanted it to be be a little different. I wanted to print it larger than I do normally, but still as a hand-printed edition, and I wanted to put in a lot of detail, and obviously linocut isn't really made for tiny features, so it had to go bigger!

I had an idea about creating a two-colour print somewhere between A3 and A2 size, but doing this by normal linocut printing would take an awful long time, and would be pretty tricky too. So, on this occasion, I decided to produce it as a linocut, then turn it into a screenprint and have the edition printed this way. I'm a total novice at screenprinting, so I got my pal Ed of Bradbury & Blanchard studios in Sheffield to help with the latter part. Here are a selection of photos from the journey from linocut to screenprint!

And here is the final print

The print will be available as part of the 'Printing Sheffield' exhibition at the Millennium Galleries, Sheffield from 29th January 2914, and also in my Folksy shop. Hope you like it!

just a little...

 










Hello there

Nearly the end of the year, and the start of all the festive chaos. I just wanted to say thanks for helping me have such a great 2013! It has been truly nuts, highlights being;

Having my first solo print exhibition, appearing on that 'Portrait Artist of the Year' tv show, building a Star Wars Lego Death-Star with my son, getting 'Sheffield Print Fair' off the ground, being involved in the 'Revealing Craft' project, finding some great new events/fairs to take part in and meeting some lovely and talented crafters, The Folksy Summer School, going on a beach holiday for the first time in about 20 years, visiting friends I'd not seen in yonks, discovering late 70's Fleetwood Mac, buying and loving my new linocut tools.....and making lots of new prints..

I'm looking forward to taking a little break, but 2014 is already building up to be pretty exciting already...

Merry Christmas!

James

Being on telly and all that...

Well, I thought it about time to tell of my recent experience on the tv programme 'Portrait Artist of the Year 2013', broadcast on Sky Arts.

you know you've made it when your face is on a barrier

The premise of the show is a bit like 'The Great British Bake-Off', but with artists doing portraits, instead of making cakes. Earlier in the year, someone passed me some information about the competition. All you needed to do was fill in a simple form and send in a self-portrait. The winner of the competition won a £10,000 commission to create a portrait of author Hilary Mantel. Luckily I had recently done a linocut self-portrait (just for fun), so I applied, and then forgot all about it...
  

my self-portrait

..and then in June I got a phone call...at first I thought it was a wind-up, but the lady on the phone was genuine. I had been selected (from over 2000 applicants!) for the finals of the show. She then explained that I need to go down to Cardiff for the filming in July 2013. Crikey. I had a month or so to prepare myself, and get some practice in. I'm not specifically a portrait artist, so felt like I needed to get more familiar with the concept, and roped in some friends for linocut portraits. The practice did help, but I was still very nervous. On the day, it was explained to me, I (and 20 other artists) had to create a portrait of a mystery public figure in 5 hours. It isn't a very long time, and I envisaged spending most of it scratching my head working out what to do.

As well as the Cardiff heat, there were heats in London, Glasgow and Dublin, and one person from each would go forward to the final to compete for the Mantel commission, which will be displayed in the National Portrait Gallery.

So the time came...My kind friends in Cardiff, Charlotte and John, put me up for a couple of nights, and looked after me so generously. I got a taxi to Cardiff City Hall, the location for the filming, bleary eyed, after a rather restless nights sleep. I found a gaggle of other nervous artists, clutching their equipment, and equally wondering how they got themselves into this. Eventually all the artists were gathered together, given mic packs and a lanyard with a number on. Mine was number 1 (not necessarily a good omen!).

lanyard no.1

We were then taken outside to be filmed entering the building, and then shown to our workspaces. As I was the only printmaker in the competition, I wasn't sure what to expect really. I saw a lot of easels, but thankfully they had provided me with a table to work on! We then met the presenters of the show Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell, and the competition judges, Kathleen Soriano, Director of Exhibitions at the Royal Academy, Kate Bryan, Head of Contemporary at the Fine Art Society and portrait artist Tai-Shan Schierenberg. They were a friendly bunch, especially Frank, who seemed rather taken by linocut! We also got to look at all of the other self-portraits, in the flesh, which was pretty daunting. Some amazing work, and I felt very much out of my depth!

some of the self-portraits (look how tiny mine is!)

more self-portraits

One thing I couldn't get my head around was the amount of people involved with making a tv programme. There were hundreds of them, dozens of camera people, runners, directors etc, and so much equipment! We even had a person designated to each of us all day to get us drinks! I felt a bit awkward with this, but nevertheless drank about 10 cups of tea during the day. So then the competition filming began, and all the artists watched nervously as Frank and Joan introduced the show, and brought in the mystery sitters. There were three sitters, so the group of 21 was split into smaller groups of seven. And they were...rugby international Gavin Henson, Lucien Freud's model Sue Tilly and Falkland veteran Simon Weston. My group were given Simon. He came round and met us all, and seemed as nervous as the rest of us! Somehow this put me at ease a little. So the timer began and we all set to work. At first I has to stop myself being nosey. I wasn't used to being around lots of other artists, and was intregued by what they were up to. 

Frank and Joan getting ready to start the competition

I eventually got started on the portrait. I tried to follow my process, and block out everything else that was happening (lots of artists were wearing headphones, good thinking) and whittled away at my lino. It seemed to be going ok, but I wasn't totally sure, as you never really know how it looks until you do a test-print. There were a lot of interruptions too, with the hosts/judges wanting to chat and film extra bits for the show. We had a proper break for lunch, and all the artists got to have a bit of a chat and a look at how each other were getting on. however, I was a bit concerned about time, so bolted my lunch and got back to the lino! At the point of doing a test-print, I really had reservations. I really wan't sure that I'd got a likeness. To my relief, it looked ok, and like Mr Weston! So I carried on, making sure I didn't over-do it, and even added a second plate, for Simon's shirt. I pretty much finished an hour before the time was up, so spent the rest of my time trying different prints, and adjusting the colour combinations. I think a few of the more photo-realist painters struggled a bit with the time, as they were used to spending months on paintings, not 5 hours. I'm glad I'm not a painter.

my view of Mr Weston

Time was called, in a rather dramatic fashion, and us artists shuffled out for more on-camera chats about how the day had gone, and more tea and cakes. Its a hard life! We now had to leave the judges to decide on their favourite three portraits. There was a definite sense of relief and camaraderie among the artists there. It was very odd trying to be creative under such constraints, and it made the achievements of the artists even more great.

So all 21 of us shuffled back to the main room to hear the decision. We all had to stand in a big group in front of the camera while they read out the three names. It did feel a bit like we were on X-Factor for a moment....and I think everyone was pretty darn nervous/excited.

my prints and test-prints

And the first name they called out was.....mine (deliberate annoying hesitation noted)! I really did think they had made a mistake, so hesitated a little before walking to my spot, but they carried on and called out the other two artists (amazing painters Nick and Gavin). We were all a little gobsmacked, and were led out for more interviews and thoughts. I'm not really sure I was making much sense by this point. If you have seen the show, you'll notice my interviews are mercifully brief! Now was time for another break, while the judges discussed who the winner was going to be from us three. All the other artists were really lovely and gracious, not at all miffed at not being shortlisted. I felt a bit guilty nonetheless. Finally the three of us were led out to stand in front of our portraits and talk to the judges about them. I've no idea what I said. I think I might have just smiled and nodded. 

my 'Simon Weston' 2-colour linocut

Then Frank read out the winner, and it was...Nick. A deserved winner. His portrait of Gavin Henson was brilliant, and a very different approach to painting that I'd seen before. He was a nice chap too, very modest. I wasn't disappointed at all. I was very flattered indeed to get in the top 3.

the top 3 just before the result. that is Nick, far right

Phew, what a day. I was ready for a beer (and thanks to Charlotte and John, I got one). Before I could leave, we had further interviews and all that, and Frank Skinner came up to me to ask if he could possibly have my 'self-portrait' that was on display, as he really really liked it! How could I refuse?

So a weird and stressful day, but a brilliant experience, and one I'd definitely recommend to any artists.

I've seen the episode now, and it is equally odd watching yourself on tv, not to mention cringe worthy. It is a fascinating show, and I've really got drawn in to what has happened in the other episodes too. The final is on next Tuesday (10th December) on Sky Arts and I'm rooting for Nick Lord to win.. C'mon boy!

Lots of end-of-the-year goings-on (snappy title, eh?)

 
















Sheffield Print Fair 2013
As one of the organisers of this event, I'm more than a little excited, especially as there is only a week to go. It takes places on Sat 16th November, 10am-4pm at St Marys Church on Bramall Lane, Sheffield. 36 artists, print demonstrations all day. Whats not to like?!

We've had a nice bit of coverage in the press (Creative Review/Design Week/Now Then mag and more) so we are hoping for a busy day. For more info either go to www.sheffieldprintmakers.com or the Facebook event page.



New Prints
I have three(!) new prints to show you. 

 

















Firstly I have a hand-pressed version of 'Fox In The Snow'. This was only previously available as a poster-print, but I've now decided to create an edition of 100 in black ink. Folksy shop page for 'Fox In The Snow'

Secondly I have a couple of new donkey prints. They are both two-colour hand-pressed prints showing donkeys up to more mischief. 
Folksy shop page for 'Donkey Hide & Seek'
Folksy shop page for 'Watching The Wild Donkeys'

Art Market Award
I've just got back from the Art Market in Holmfirth. (As ever) it was a brilliant event, tons of amazing craft and art, and to my surprise I won a prize! It was for 'Outstanding Artist', chosen by stonemason/artist Celia Kilner.


Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year TV show
I have been told that the episode of this TV show that I am featuring in is on Tuesday 26th November 2013. It is on Sky Arts 1 at 8pm, and repeated a few times after that. Tune in if you have Sky, and watch me hopefully not make too much of a fool of myself! Programme page

Folksy 'Revealing Craft' book
Folksy, photographer India hobson and design agency Dust have created a wonderful book entitled 'Revealing Craft' showing the lives behind the people who do art and craft. It features several artists (including meself, and our cat Otto) and looks like a really beautiful piece of work. Here is where you can help. They have launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the making of the book, and you can contribute to help it happen, and also get a copy of the book and all sorts of extra too. For more info and to contribute go to:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jamesboardwell/revealing-craft


Events

These are the events I am taking part in up until Christmas.


Saturday 16th November 2013, Sheffield Print Fair 2013, St Mary's, Sheffield. I have helped organise this, so might be a bit biased, but it looking like it'll be a pretty exciting event! 38 artist/printmakers on-site, and print demonstrations throughout the day.

Friday - Sunday 22nd-24th November 2013, Christmas Arts Market, Harley Gallery, Welbeck, Notts. I'm quite excited about this one. I've never been, and I hear good things!

Saturday/Sunday 30th Nov/1st Dec 2013, Kelham Island Victorian Christmas Market, Sheffield. The big one. I borrowed a top-hat for this last year, as you have to dress in Victorian costume, and I ended up liking it so much I bought it! Apart from that it is probably the most festive thing you can imagine.

Saturday 7th December 2013, Mary's Marvellous Craft & Vintage Market, St Marys, Sheffield - Pretty much a staple in the Sheffield craft/vintage calendar, always excellent and with wonderful food too.

PHEW!

Three-colour print

So, I thought it was about time I attempted a 3-colour linocut. I have tried printing with three colours before, as a reduction linocut, but never one with three separate lino plates. I was a little unprepared for how tricky it would be! Working with one or two colours is fairly easy to visualise beforehand, but with three colours I just found it realy hard to imagine what colours would work. I had a go at several colour combinations before settling on these. I'm very happy with the result, but started off with some pretty ghastly colours (which I certainly won't be showing!).

I had this thought in my head wondering what donkeys dream about. I settled on the idea that their dreams are probably quite abstract, so tried to put that idea into a print. Hope you like it.

'Orange Donkey Dream' - 3-colour linocut print (Folksy shop page)

Octoberings..

How did two months pass since my last blog post? I've no idea. Well, I guess a lot has been happening over the summer so that might have helped. The Folksy Summer School was definitely a highlight. Tons of friendly and enthusiastic crafters eager to learn new skills and practices, in the beautiful setting of Ecclesall Woods in Sheffield. I just demonstrated linocut and took part in a panel discussion about selling, but probably just enjoyed most just being around lots of talented crafty people! I also got to meet Cecily Vessey, whose work I have now discovered. She is a great artist/illustrator. I highly recommend checking out her website!

me and some of the Folksy Summer School contributors

My solo print exhibition has now ended. Big thanks to Cat at Artfelt for organising it. Almost all prints sold, so that was nice!

So, right, a few updates....

Events
I have a couple of fairs coming up this month, and then a whole load in November and December.

Saturday 5th October 2013, Pretty Dandy Flea, Vintage Warehouse, Nottingham - I did this event earlier in the year, in a different location. It was really great, lots of quality craft and vintage goods, and a brilliant soundtrack. What more could you want?

Saturday 26th October 2013, Mary's Marvellous Craft & Vintage Market, St Marys, Sheffield - Pretty much a staple in the Sheffield craft/vintage calendar, always excellent and with wonderful food too.

Saturday/Sunday 9th/10th November 2013, The Art Market, Holmfirth. They put on two of these a year, and they are definitely worth a visit. A very art-focussed event, usually with some fantastic ceramics.

Saturday 16th November 2013, Sheffield Print Fair 2013, St Mary's, Sheffield. I have helped organise this, so might be a bit biased, but it looking like it'll be a pretty exciting event! 38 artist/printmakers on-site, and print demonstrations throughout the day.

Friday - Sunday 22nd-24th November 2013, Christmas Arts Market, Harley Gallery, Welbeck, Notts. I'm quite excited about this one. I've never been, and I hear good things!

Saturday/Sunday 30th Nov/1st Dec 2013, Kelham Island Victorian Christmas Market, Sheffield. The big one. I borrowed a top-hat for this last year, as you have to dress in Victorian costume, and I ended up liking it so much I bought it! Apart from that it is probably the most festive thing you can imagine.

Saturday 8th December 2013, Mary's Marvellous Craft & Vintage Market, St Marys, Sheffield - Pretty much a staple in the Sheffield craft/vintage calendar, always excellent and with wonderful food too.

There might be more too, so i'll add them if they pop up.


Sky Arts Portrait Competition 
This is now due to be broadcast on Sky Arts channel from the start of November. I'm featured on it, but can't tell you much more (yet)!


Carfield Primary School
I recently came up with an idea to try and raise some money for my local primary school. I have produced an A3 linocut poster-print of a view of the school. This will be for sale very soon through the school and my Folksy shop, and 50% of all profits go to the school to raise money for trips, workshop and general art supplies. Here is the print in its two variations:

 

...and relax (kind-of).

Hi there

I've been a little slack on the update front over the past month or so. Sorry about that. I'll try and blame the fact that July was a bit nuts. Yes, that was it. Must try harder, though.

The busyness entailed a whole heap of craft fairs, a workshop, a big print order to put together (for Museums Sheffield) and my appearance on the Sky Arts TV programme 'Portrait Artist Of The Year'. I can't say any more yet on the latter (!), but it will be screened in the Autumn and I'll let you know when its on. It was a lot of fun. I can tell you that!

Anyway, here is what I've got going on in August, and the start of September..


EVENTS
Sat 10th & Sun 11th September 2013: Folksy Summer School, Eccleshall Woods, Sheffield. Folksy have organised an event for around 150 crafters to come along and learn new skills related to making and selling craft. I am taking part, demonstrating linocut, and also taking part in a 'selling masterclass' panel discussion.

Sat 7th & Sun 8th September 2013: Art In The Gardens, The Botanical Gardens, Sheffield. The annual art bonanza is back very soon. It is a great event, in a beautiful location, and lots of art to look at. 

 














Sheffield Print Fair 2013 - On Saturday 16th November, a new group (including myself) called 'Sheffield Printmakers' is putting on 'Sheffield Print Fair 2013', the first event of its kind in this city. It will feature the best print work from the region, 32 printmakers stalls, demonstrations and food & drink. It will take place at St Mary's Church on Bramall Lane. Sheffield design agency Dust kindly designed the advertising for us, and it looks really great!

If you are an artist/printmaker, and you'd like to apply for a stall (and possibly demonstrate your printing techniques) please go to www.sheffieldprintmakers.com. The deadline to apply is 30th August.


EXHIBITION
My solo exhibition at Sheffield Children's Hospital (in the Long Gallery) is on until the end of September 2013. Of the 30 prints, there are only 5 left available to buy! If you're interested in seeing them you can view/buy them online. There will also be a silent auction for a one-off hand-pressed print of 'Psalter Lane View', held in September.


NEW WORKS
I have a couple of new works to show you. All are available from my Folksy shop, selected shops/galleries, and at fairs/markets:

'The Folk Forest No.3' (limited to 100 copies)

'Sheffield City View No.3' poster-print

'Sheffield City View No.3' linocut print