Julia's printmaking
- mail88756
- May 1, 2017
- 3 min read
Julia is one of the guest artists displaying her work during our Open Studios weekend. Her work explores the act of imprint- the act of producing marks and patterns and the way this is connected to an emotion. She explores repetition and the act of repetition as a ritual or mantra that opens the path towards spirituality and free ourselves from the banality of everyday life.
What brought you to study/practice your art form?
I discovered printmaking when I was a Fine Art student at the University of East London. Painting was my main subject, but after my first experiments in printmaking I decided that I wanted to learn more about the medium and ended up doing a printmaking MA at Camberwell College of Arts.
Whilst studying at Camberwell, I found that by delving deeper into the medium, subjects and techniques, my work started to change and progressed to a point where it became more introspective and intricate.
What inspires you?
I grew up in a very rural setting in the north of Portugal where nature and craftsmanship played a major role in my childhood and formative years. Although it sounds like a contradiction, I am inspired by both minimal and complex imagery such as the simplicity of the Sea and the intricate craftsmanship of complex embroidery. I enjoy repetition and the reflective and spiritual side of it. Serendipity and experimentation are also important elements that are absorbed into my work.
What tools/materials do you use in your work?
I tend to be very spontaneous when it comes to materials and techniques. I enjoy experimenting with both. In my last work, I have used a toy wheel as a stamp and cut outs from my prints, for example.
Do you have a favourite tool or material?
My favourite tool is the etching needle. This tool combines the complexity of embroidery and the simplicity of a mark, dot or a line.
Do you have a routine when you create a new piece of work?
I generally start with an idea and I take notes about it in my sketchbook. I love this initial process of research and sketching. Sometimes this initial process can change that initial idea completely and bring fresh and unexpected ones. I tend to go back and forth into my sketchbooks because of this process, but this is also the reason why I love sketchbooks so much.
How long does it take for you to complete one piece of artwork?
It depends. It can take a few hours, but it also can take days or weeks. My most popular piece of work, Penal Colony, took me a few weeks to complete due to its intricate design.
How do you decide how the number of editions for each artwork?
Generally, I tend to do uniques or very small editions. I don’t do large editions because it is not what I want for my work. Probably this has to do with my background as a painter and the fact that I can offer my clients something original and unique.
If you are offered an opportunity to display your work anywhere in the public, where would it be?
This is a difficult question. Flowers or Alan Cristea Galleries at Cork Street are the ones that I always go to check out the latest print work from some of the best contemporary artists. Any of those would be great!
Follow Julia on Instagram Instagram: @juliamfrodrigues
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