MAKING HIS MARKS

Printmaking is a passion for Andrew Sharman that has been inspired by the countryside of Essex and the talents of local artists. And it’s an art form that’s easy to try at home too, he insists

Andrew Sharman discovered the creative possibilities of lino printing after taking a course at Gainsborough House in Sudbury. Six years on, he has developed his own abstract style and exhibited work in Colchester, Aldeburgh and Brighton. His work has also featured in specialist printmaking publications, and now on the cover of Essex Life magazine.

With the current resurgence in arts and crafts while we spend more time at home, Andrew recommends printmaking as a rewarding activity that can create some surprising results.

Back in his college days, Andrew studied graphic design at Colchester Art School, where he experimented with printmaking as part of his course.

‘I have fond memories of the print department,’ says Andrew, ‘but it wasn’t until later in life that I had the time to explore it further. Inspired by a colleague, I tried a course at Gainsborough House and I was really surprised how much I enjoyed it.’

Andrew found a much bigger potential in printmaking than he had realised was possible.

‘It opened my eyes to using different materials and techniques to what I traditionally thought of as printmaking, such as working with card and MDF.’

Having sparked his imagination, Andrew decided to join a nearby printmaking workshop, at Cuckoo Farm Studios in Colchester, where he’s now part of a wider creative community. Lino printing has given Andrew a medium through which he can express his passion for creativity. But where does he get his inspiration?