Nigel Grist

I am a printmaker and photographer working with various techniques including linocuts, collagraphs and etching. In many of my images several techniques are combined, such as a drypoint with a collagraph, techniques being chosen according to the desired result. Some pieces incorporate these multiple images as physical layers using the technique of chine collé to bond a lighter weight paper such as Kozo (Japanese mulberry paper) onto a heavier carrier paper.

A biologist by training and now also a Dartmoor guide, both experiences influence my printmaking, sometimes subconsciously. There may be a fairly clear floral or faunal component but more often there’s an abstract element which may derive from images gleaned from years using microscopes to examine cellular features.

At a different scale landscape is always there at various levels – quite literally in the case of Dartmoor. There’s always the aim of trying to capture some aspect of the character of a place rather than a precise representation. Words and humour are important too, and titles may precede an image.

Although I have no formal training in the arts I’m happy to research and learn from various sources and that, together with a couple of initial courses, is how my printmaking has evolved. The scientist side and desire to learn is still satisfied by the ‘techy’ element which can be part of printmaking. There is such a huge variety of methods and styles and always something new to try or explore. When teaching I try and promote the idea of treating the exercise as an experiment to see what happens when a new technique or process is suggested. I enjoy helping people to realise images by learning a new technique or trying a different approach. Being prepared to ‘play’ is the best way to learn.

I’ve exhibited and have sold work in various galleries in the southwest including Symondsbury, Lyme Regis, Moretonhampstead, Honiton, Torquay, Plymouth and most recently Bideford as well as many shows in the South Hams. I’ve been part of the South Hams Arts Forum and associated Arts Trail for eleven years and pleased to have been able to exhibit at the Delamore Arts show for several years including most recently as part of the Contemporary British Printmakers Exhibition. There have also been many enjoyable exhibitions around the area with members of Pressgang Printmakers, part of Salcombe Art Club.