Meet The Maker - Rebecca Perdue

Hello! I'm Rebecca Perdue. I am a printmaker and artist based in a small garden studio in Wiltshire. I work primarily in linocut and monoprint, but also paint and make occasional silver jewellery pieces and textiles. I'm very interested in linking work across several disciplines. 

 

Describe your printmaking practice

All my work starts with multiple sketches. I'm a fan of using sketchbooks to scribble down ideas, sometimes returning to these years later and reworking them with altered perspectives.

I refer to my sketch throughout the carving and printing process, however, the end result isn't always faithful to the original idea - often a linocut takes an alternative direction along the way. A lot of time is given to preparation, cutting and lightly sanding the lino before transferring the design using tracing paper. I always apply a stain of black drawing ink to the lino surface to help me see the contrasts as I carve.

Carving can take a few hours to a few weeks depending on the size and complexity of the work. I usually have multiple pieces on the go and swap between them, as one piece can often inform another. Carving is far and away my favourite part of the process. I find it meditative. 

 

linocut carving in progress, stained grey hessian backed Lino.

 How and where did you learn to print?

My first introduction to printmaking was at secondary school, when I made a small monoprint portrait - and then I was reintroduced as an HND student in art school. I attended a taster session in linocut and that was it, I was smitten. From HND I went on to study a BA (Hons) in Illustration where my main focus continued to be printmaking, eventually graduating with a first class degree. 

 

'Yggdrasil' linocut

Why printmaking?

From the moment I made my first linocut at 18 years old, I was hooked. I love the bold graphic quality of line, the texture and tone that can be achieved with carving tools and the infinite possibilities to create imagery that printmaking provides. The only limits are your imagination. The look and feel of wood engraving and linocut particularly appeal as it taps into a long held love of illustrated literature - the folk and fairytale books of my childhood. 

 Compact and bijou studio space.

Where do you work?

I have worked as an art teacher in further education and as an art therapist working with people who are recovering from stroke and brain injury, but after a spate of poor mental and physical health I decided to return to printmaking in 2018, working full time from my garden studio, built by my husband, Rob, (possibly the best gift ever!) 

 

'Wee Beastie' monoprint made using Caligo Safewash Inks and household recycling.

'Night Watchman' Linocut

As daylight creeps beneath the sward

and good folk drift to bed -

The Owl spies all Night Things abroad,

She'll keep her babies fed. 

 

Describe a typical day

I aim to get all my admin completed first thing in the morning, which includes packaging orders and a short walk to the post office. The rest of the day is given over to creativity, be that sketching, carving or printing. It is incredibly important to me to have time each day to do the creative stuff because the inevitable admin that goes alongside running a small business can feel like a drag! I work full-time in the studio and often through the weekend, however, it's what I love to do and doesn't feel like 'work'.

 

How long have you been printmaking

It's scary to admit this, but I have been printmaking for 32 years in total. As a full time occupation, for 6 years.

 

'Two Curious Souls' linocut bolster cushion Caligo Safewash Inks on natural linen.

What inspires you?

My main inspiration is the flora and fauna and landscape that surrounds me. I am fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the world, with Savernake Forest on my doorstep. I am also an avid reader and collector of books, I find this all weaves its way into my work. 

'Mischief and Mayhem' linocut.

 

'Flight Pattern' monoprint Caligo Safewash Inks and household recycling.

 

What is your favourite printmaking product

My favourite product, hands down, is battleship grey hessian backed lino. I buy it by the roll so that I can make larger scale pieces, which I really enjoy. I also love Cranfield Colours Caligo Safewash and traditional relief inks. I love the versatility of them and that they can be used for both paper and fabric prints, with a few adjustments to application technique. 

 

'Quist Calls' linocut cushion made using Caligo Safewash Inks on natural linen. 

'Foxes and Ferns' lampshade. 

 

What have you made that you are most proud of

Over the past couple of years I have started making more pieces for interiors and soft furnishings. I recently printed my own wallpaper by hand, which was both challenging and enjoyable. I have also turned my hand to upholstery, re-covering a traditional fireside chair in my own hand printed linen. Last year, I was thrilled to be asked by Green Howard's Museum to create some commemorative pieces to be displayed in their Normanby Room alongside their beautiful collection of 'Mousy Thompson' mouseman furniture - a real honour!

 

'Wild One' monoprint made using Caligo Safewash Inks and household recycling.

'Hare in Asters'

 

Where can we see your work

My work is available from my etsy shop ThePrintmakingBee (https://theprintmakingbee.etsy.com)

Selected pieces are available from Fisherton Mill Gallery,  Salisbury.

Folde Dorset, Shaftesbury

The Green Howard's Museum,  Richmond,  N. Yorkshire 

 

 'Above the Vale' multi 3 block linocut using Caligo Safewash Inks. 

 

What can we expect from you next

You can expect more adventures in linocut wallpapers, soft furnishings and lampshades. I'm also currently making a series of monoprints and linocut pieces featuring some of Wiltshire's famous chalk horses, megaliths and crop circles for a potential exhibition this year. I will also be taking part in Thought Press Project (a charitable print exhibition and sale) for the fourth year running. 

 

'Flock' lampshade.

Do you have any advice for other printmakers and creatives

My advice would be: do not be afraid to try new techniques and to push your creative boundaries (even if it is only a wee bit) - you never know where it might lead. There is no right or wrong in art, so above all, have fun with it.

Follow Rebecca on socials here:

I am on Instagram: bperdue.printmaker 

and Facebook: @rebeccaperdueartist

 Selection of linocut lampshades recently exhibited at Fisherton Mill Gallery.