Linocut printmaker Melanie Wickham works from her home studio in Bristol, UK. Having studied Illustration at UWE, she discovered printmaking at the end of her degree. Upon graduating, lino printing was the natural medium for Melanie to work in; portable, affordable and adaptable, it worked for perfectly for her illustrative approach. The printmaker’s subject matter is largely nature based, with plants, animals, people, and places often featuring.
Melanie’s prints begin with drawings that record ideas, interesting words, shapes, and situations. These sketches are then translated onto lino blocks and carved, before being inked up and hand burnished to create the final print. Melanie chooses not to use a press at all, enjoying the challenge and physical process of hand burnishing. She most often uses Somerset Satin paper, and works in limited editions, with each lino print titled, numbered and signed on the front.
The ideas and humour behind Melanie’s prints, and the graphic shapes she utilises, are conveyed well by the implementation of a simple monochrome palette, usually produced in black and gold, with no need for more elaborate multi-layered pieces. Her work is a mixture and exploration of bold shapes and mark making.
Ongoing series include larger swarms, flocks, and herds, as well more realistic, drawing-based works of Natural History specimens transformed into lino prints.
www.melaniewickham.co.uk
@melwickham
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