How would you describe your artistic style to someone unfamiliar with your work?
My style is a joyful celebration of colour and movement in nature, possibly not what you think of when you hear "lino print" and influenced by some of my favourite Printmakers and Artists.
What themes or ideas do you find yourself returning to most often?
Birds are my default. I think because I see and hear them every day, they informed my
garden's evolution and because I am just fascinated by their tiny power!
What is your creative process from idea to finished piece is it always the same?
My consciously chosen ideas float about in the ether until they either form themselves into a more concrete vision or something triggers a coming together of idea and imagery. That "something" might be a colour, a feeling, a moment or a setting. Who really knows how these things happen!
Then I will pencil the image directly onto the lino. When I am happy with that, I will decide what the colour palette will be and where each colour will go.
The first cutting will take place, inking and printing. The block is cleaned, and then the same block is cut again, inked and the second layer goes on. This is repeated up to 14 times depending on the number of colours I use. This is always my process, I have honed it over the years to suit me.
Do you ever have creative blocks, how do you keep motivated?
Yes! Every time it feels like the end of the world! I should realise that stressing and worrying only makes it worse and that going for a walk or doing something completely different is always the way forward…but I invariably stress and worry for a while first!
If your work could evoke one feeling or reaction in viewers, what would it be?
Joy. I feel such joy and happiness being in nature, sometimes it is an almost magical and definitely childlike experience for me. I just want to convey that to people in their homes, so that they can enjoy that feeling when they look at my work.
What is your website and how do we find you on social media?
www.redcottageprints.co.uk
You can find me on Instagram: Louise Edwards Printmaker
Facebook: Red Cottage Prints
Tiktok: Louise Edwards Printmaker
YouTube: Redcottageprints
