Meet the Maker: Angie Mitchell

I work mainly in relief print, both Lino and woodcut, I actually use Marley vinyl floor tiles in place of Lino, I like the way it cuts and I can easily jigsaw shapes together. I carve into lime wood blocks which is very easy to carve and I love the rasp it makes as I’m cutting it.

If I’m working with colour I often blend the colours on the plate using a range of different sized rollers. I also like to use coloured tissue and patterned papers to incorporate chine colle.

I have a small Tofko relief press and a Hawthorn etching press for larger prints and printing fabric.

How and where did you learn to print?

My first printmaking was at college in Ambleside using a large Albion press. Years later I started experimenting with print on clay using an ink made with oxides and fat oil, I later realised I could use Transparent ink instead of fat oil, it was a lot less smelly!

Why printmaking?

I love the process of printmaking, unlike painting you are not starting with an intimidating blank canvas or sheet of paper.

Where do you work?

I have just moved into a small studio gallery with three other artists, which is perfect for me as I can work, chat to people and hopefully sell some work
at the same time. I didn’t enjoy working in isolation, it’s good to share ideas and experience.

Describe a typical day in your studio.

After opening up the gallery I make coffee and think about the jobs to be done that day. If I’m on duty I shall plan a non-messy activity such as woodcutting or planning for a future project.

If I am planning to do some printing then I have to cut and prepare the paper and prepare my inking area carefully with the selected inks and rollers. I always leave at least an hour to clean up and tidy away. There’s nothing worse than returning the next morning to a mess.