For the past 25 years my printmaking has been exclusively in relief print, both wood and linoleum, mainly using the reduction method to achieve layers of bold colour and a simplification of form. I’m interested in the interaction between the shapes and colour and the relationships and tensions these throw up in the images.

I am always striving to get the images back to the their most basic elements, discarding any extraneous mark-making, believing that what is left out is just as important as what is put in. I prefer to work directly onto the block, rather than from sketches, making decisions and responding to how the work is developing, as this adds a level of spontaneity to the pieces. Most crucially of all, I want the work to be bright, cheerful and fun.

I attended Grays School of Art, Aberdeen (BA Hons Fine Art) and the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne (Master of Fine art). I live and work in south east London, and I teach relief print courses at Thames-Side Print Studio, install exhibitions and continue with my own practice.

Julian Davies November 2024