I create hand pressed lino cut artwork inspired by landscapes and wildlife.
Working from her home studio in North Pembrokeshire, Wales, Beth Knight works as a printmaking artist creating original lino cut artwork along side freelancing as a wildlife illustrator.
“Creating and wildlife have been consistent interests and passions from childhood, developing my skills in accurately capturing the natural world from a young age by observing and sketching around my childhood home in Mid Wales”
Beth’s passion for wildlife is reflected in her eco friendly business ethos, seeking to use responsibly sourced and recycled or recyclable materials wherever possible.
CREATING A LINO PRINT:
"Being a keen walker I like to be out and about in all weathers seeking inspiration from the landscapes around me. Taking in the seasons as they come and go, noticing the details of each plant and animal and the changes in light and weather, I like to try and reflect all these elements in my work to portray the real spirit and feeling of a place. I take photos for reference and make quick sketches just to remind myself of the elements and compositions I wanted to recreate when I get home.
Back in my home studio space I start on a more detailed drawing, working out how to create the scene as a lino cut. I trace my drawing to transfer it to the surface of the lino block and then start on the bit I enjoy most – the carving! Using very fine ‘Pfeil’ cutting tools I carve into the surface of the lino and carefully remove all the areas I want to keep white, cutting around intricate leaf shapes and using different marks to differentiate light and dark areas to create the depth and detail of the scene. I find the cutting process is great for focusing the mind and forgetting distractions, it is quite therapeutic!
The next step is to carry out a few test prints to make any amends and ensure the cut block prints nicely. A thin layer of printing ink is applied to the surface of the lino using a roller, paper is then laid on to the inked up surface and I place it in my table top, lever press, applying just the right amount of pressure to transfer the ink to the paper. Peeling back the paper is always exciting, revealing the culmination of all the steps in the process and hopefully capturing the moment that first inspired me!"
