Poster image “Fundamental” 1/20VE block print by Susan Leeson

Susan Leeson, our residential printmaker returns this winter with her “Sounds” series of mixed media prints.

“The sensory experience of the studio, inks, solvents, freshly brewed tea and jazzy sounds evoke childhood moments watching my dad, Lawrence Leeson, at work in his Market Weighton studio.  Its quite extraordinary how the scent of the studio recalls these formative experiences.”

Printmaking is often planned and highly structured.  However, although these prints begin with a broad plan, it could be argued that they fall into the category of “process art” as they evolve in the moment in the studio.

“Whilst working in the studio, I always have music playing in the background.  I have quite an eclectic toast and particularly enjoy wide range of jazz sounds.  I’ve recently had 1960s jazz album covers in mind during this project.

My “Sounds” series includes mixed media hand-pulled prints using printmaking techniques, woodcut, linocut, block print, chine-collé and collage.  The layers of colour, shape and texture represent the sound mixing in a recording studio.”

“Syncopation” 1/1 block print by Susan Leeson

“Fundamental” 3/20VE Block print with pouchoir