I know I’m always going on about the weather but considering where I live it’s hardly surprising. (Just in case you are not sure exactly where that is - I live near Tavistock, right on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon.) The dark days of the winter storms are hard to imagine now; I walk the dogs 3 times a day along lanes lined with hundreds of beech trees bursting with infant leaves that cast the surroundings with the brightest tint of green possible. I’ve just returned from a painting retreat in Cornwall where we did, however, enjoy a particularly spectacular spring storm. This was different in that you could immerse yourself in the glorious sights and sounds without the responsibility of worrying about slates being torn from your roof, or flood waters turning the aforementioned lanes into rivers, or losing your internet connection (what could be worse??) due to trees falling on the lines, and so on and so forth. Someone else could do all that worrying. All you had to do was stand in the storm with a sketch book and a stick of charcoal, and let your visceral response to the cauldron of massive waves in front of you do the work!! And we could almost do this without taking a step from the house we were staying in, so close was it to the action.

And so now I return to my “duties” with renewed vigour having had a whole month off and I want to remind you of what’s in store over the next few months. It’s getting on for 22 years since I started running etching workshops in a tiny little shed on my parents’ farm in the Tamar Valley and it’s rewarding, to say the least, to see how our printmaking activities have evolved over this time. Members of my workshop are now producing an absolute treasure chest of original printmaking in which you’ll discover linocuts, collagraphs and carborundums, mezzotints, monoprints and monotypes, gum Arabic transfer prints, white ground prints, drypoints, and, of course, traditional etchings (and I think I’ve missed out a few too!). In theory I should live to a ripe old age because adapting to all these different techniques certainly keeps the grey cells busy! I’ve been developing the collagraph and carborundum technique in my own work and I’m finding it quite liberating. It’s an example of how we all benefit from the cross fertilization that constantly takes place here at Tamar Print Workshop and I value it greatly. Evidence of this generous exchange of ideas always reveals itself in our annual show at the Limekiln Gallery in February.

The summer calendar starts with the first of the regular weekly sessions. These start on Thursday and Friday this week (8th and 9th May) and run right through until mid August. I would like to point out that I have two temporary spaces on Thursday mornings this term. One until half term and the other for the whole term. I also have vacancies for the Thursday evening class so please do get in touch. The summer is the best time for these Thursday night sessions because of the lighter evenings.

There are two 5 day workshops to choose from – one from 16th – 20th June, the other from 11th – 15th August. These workshops are “General” in nature which means you can come with your own project in mind and work with the medium of your choice. They would be ideal opportunities for beginners too. If you really can’t manage the whole 5 days – and I know some people find it difficult to sustain the intensity for so long – do get in touch to discuss possible alternatives, e.g. 2 or 3 days, or even one if need be. This changes expectations about what you can achieve, but works if needs must.

The three day colour courses are proving popular and so I am running another one from 14th – 16th July when we’ll be working with a variety of printmaking processes, e.g. etching, linocut, chine collé, collagraph and carborundum, monotype and monoprint. This course would be ideal not only for those of you who need a sustained period to develop complicated multiple plate colour etchings, but also good if you have never tried this technique before. The course would also would be a productive follow on from the collagraph and carborundum courses where we only just touched on potential colour possibilities. Equally, it would be a good opportunity to work with reduction (or the suicide method as it is often referred to) and multiple block lino cuts.

If you’re a beginner you can come to any of the above courses – except, possibly, the colour course.

Please go to http://marygillett.co.uk/workshops/ have a read and book a course before it’s too late! I would be delighted to hear from you if you have anything you’d like to discuss. (Contact details on website.)

May I also point you in the direction of some shows that I’m taking part in over the next few months?

You haven’t much time to catch it but you must……The Spring Show at the Limekiln Gallery finishes on Sunday (11th May). http://www.limekilngallery.com/exhibitions

Following this I am taking part in the South West Academy’s Academicians Show, at The Cathedral Room in the Royal Clarence Hotel, Cathedral Yard, Exeter, which combines with a celebration of the launch of a book titled South West Academy, Art: People: Place. Tuesday 27th to Friday 30th May, 10am - 6pm daily

From 7th July – 8th August I’m participating in a show with a difference called “Signpost 12+21G”. It’s a collaboration between the 21 Group and Devonport High for Girls. The original idea was conceived by the artist and teacher, Richard Sunderland, and this is the fourth year of a series of exhibitions which aim to develop partnerships between the sixth formers and contemporary local artists. “An exciting collaboration between 21G and ‘A’level students at Devonport Girls’ High School. Curated by the students, the show will counterpoint their work with members of the group, revealing the many ways that they look, think and create.” Cube 3 Gallery, Portland Building, University of Plymouth, Monday to Friday 10 – 5. http://www.21group.org.uk/

The Plymouth Society of Artists is exhibiting again at Artmill Galleries, Plymouth from 6th September – 4th October. An increasingly eclectic mix….

In October (dates TBC ) I will be showing work at the Gloss Gallery, Barnfield Crescent, Exeter as part of a new venture - “The Art of the Devonshire Association”.

That’s enough for now!

Looking forward to hearing from you and I would be very grateful if you would forward this newsletter to anyone you think would be interested.

All the best
Mary
www.marygillett.co.uk