LinocutMemberPrintmakingSolo artist

StreamWalkStudio

posted by POP Members February 21, 2022

Sian Hulse, a linocut printmaker and vector artist, is the face behind StreamWalkStudio. From the seaside town of Whitstable, Kent, Sian creates beautiful linocut prints inspired by her surroundings and home.

Following a degree in Fashion Design Innovation, Sian became a Design Manager at a screen print and embroidery printing company, and went on to go self-employed as a Graphic Designer in early 2021. However, late last year she started pursuing art and linocut as full-time career; “I’ve decided to stop trying to deny my true calling. Art is all I’ve ever wanted to do. I’ve finally been brave enough to start my journey. I’ve opened my Etsy store and can’t wait to see where it takes me.”

Her work is not only inspired by her seaside surroundings, photographs she takes, and the scenery of Stream Walk in Kent, but also incorporates influences from myths and legends from around the world, and her love for cats. She describes; “Living in a seaside town I am drawn to the ocean for inspiration. I have always been fascinated by what lies beneath and the strange and wonderful creatures that live there.”

After being diagnosed with Chronic Pain Syndrome in her early 20s, Sian has found that linocutting has helped fuel her recovery and provided her “purpose and peace”. She explains; “I felt like it held me back for ten years as the debilitating pain, fatigue and anxiety I experienced daily took art away from me. When I discovered my love for Linocut I found it too taxing on my body to produce more than 1 or 2 blocks a year. After discovering the Mind-Body approach, yoga and meditation and after a lot of self-work I’ve regained my identity and love for the Arts.”“Printmaking feels like it will be my lifelong passion. I love that it almost forces you to simplify. The carving is meditative, and I get lost in it for hours. It holds my attention for long periods of time, without fatigue. I love how you can plan it as much as you like, but when you carve it takes on a life of its own, especially in reduction print. The coming together of a print is quite magical.”

This year, Sian is looking to experiment with more complex reduction prints with Deb Wing’s ‘Parallel Printing‘ programme. Her new press – a Gunning Arts Etching Press – is going to open a whole new world of possibilities in her printmaking journey, and she can’t wait to create a proper studio space worthy of housing it.

Sian will be hosting her first exhibition in June (21st-28th June at Fishslab Gallery, Seaside town, Whitstable) alongside her ‘Nana’ who creates fused glass for her studio ‘Glassy Things’.

@sianiebanana

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