The Ink Club is a new venture from Rosie Lavis (@wildprintstudio) and Oceana Masterman-Smith (@oceanams). The duo have teamed up to form a creative space for printmakers to get together and translate their social media friendships into real world ones. The Ink Club invites printmakers from across the U.K to put down their tools for a day and join them for a pint or coffee, swap tips, discuss beautiful papers, or just to have a chat about the life of a printmaker. Their meetings are inclusive of everyone, all mediums, experience levels, and backgrounds are welcome. If you love print, you are in!
The pair aim to host meetings every three months, with the first event taking place on the afternoon of Saturday 30th August in Paddington, London (time and venue still TBC).
Being an artist can sometimes feel isolating, especially in a time when so much of our connection happens online. While the internet has made it easier to share work and build networks, it often lacks the depth and energy of real-world interactions. “As printmakers, we’ve found so much inspiration and encouragement through the relationships we’ve built on social media, but we’ve also felt the need for something more tangible; a space to gather, share, and grow together in person,” says Oceana. This is why she has collaborated with Rosie to create The Ink Club; turning online connections into real world community. She continues; “Because as wonderful as digital spaces can be, there’s truly no substitute for learning side by side, exchanging ideas face to face, and feeling the creative spark that only happens when artists come together in real life.”
Rosie and Oceana met on Instagram through their shared love of printmaking. Oceana tells us; “I had admired Rosie’s beautiful work for months and eventually reached out, our conversation flowed easily, and we quickly connected. For about a year, I’d been toying with the idea of starting a printmakers’ meet-up group, but I’d been too nervous to take the plunge on my own. When I mentioned the idea to Rosie, she was immediately enthusiastic, and when she said she’d love to bring The Ink Club to life with me, I jumped at the chance.” It’s with a hint of irony too, that the pair have still yet to meet in real life! But this further highlights exactly why a group like this is so needed.
So why is supporting printmaking so important today? Oceana replies; “Printmaking is a rich, historic art form that has been practiced and refined for hundreds of years, it’s a tradition deeply rooted in human expression. In a time when digital and AI generated content is becoming increasingly common, the importance of preserving and celebrating handmade arts like printmaking has never been greater. These techniques carry stories, culture, and skill that can’t be replicated by machines.” Thus, Oceana and Rosie believe it is vital to keep learning, sharing, and teaching these methods so they’re not lost to time. Oceana continues; ‘Printmaking, like all meaningful art, resonates with people in different ways, it fulfils something essential in us. There is a deep satisfaction and humanity in creating with your hands, and by continuing to make and support print-based work, we not only honour its legacy but ensure its future.”
Ultimately, the pair’s dream is to see The Ink Club grow into a network of printmakers across the UK. They summarise; “There are so many vibrant, creative cities and communities that deserve spaces like this, run by printmakers for printmakers. This is about building something lasting and inclusive, a nationwide community united by ink, passion, and a shared love for print.”
Information about times and locations will be promoted on both of their Instagram pages, and there is a newsletter/subscriber list and Facebook group for The Ink Club updates.
Subscribe to The Ink Club newsletter here.
Join the conversation on their Facebook group THE INK CLUB – UK PRINTMAKERS MEET UP GROUP.
Want to know more about our membership? Give us an email at members@peopleofprint.com.
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