North Lincs Print Open 2012 @ The Ropewalk

So, off I went in the pouring rain, firstly to Stennetts auction in Brigg, near the railway line, to see if I could purchase some fertile peacock eggs (the answer to that was 'not today'). Onwards then, still only 9am, and to Barton upon Humber. I finally found the Ropewalk, hiding at the rear of a Tesco Carpark (how inauspicious). However, upon entry to the rather lovely historic buildings I found a bit of a treasure trove, both of Art, Artistry and cake.

The 2012 Print Exhibition is displayed over two cavernous yet intimate and well lit spaces. I was the only peruser, so had plenty of time to take in the view. My initial impression: I was completely overwhelmed by the skill and beauty of the printing. I felt small. I felt hopeless. I felt intimidated. Having walked fairly quickly around the first room I gathered the courage to start actually 'looking' at the prints. Most, indeed nearly all, are absolutely breathtaking. I couldn't see how most effects had been achieved, and couldn't begin to guess. I photographed some of my favourites, and also the prize winners. The Exhibition first prize went to an absolutely staggering and well executed drypoint etching, large in scale, evocative and captivating. I could have looked into it all day. It shows a window, with the sunlight illuminating a lace curtain, and picking out some features of the room. Go and see it.

Some of the techniques: aquatint, collograph, mezzotint, relief print drypoint, etching, monotype, linoprint, relief with collage, chine colle, monoprint, etching on plaster, canvas print (with screen, line & gold leaf), woodcut, open screenprint, relief on vinyl, reduction linoprint, photoetching, etching emboss, lithograph, and a digital print.

Laughingly, I thought I was learning to be a Printer. Hahaha, I couldn't achieve all this knowledge, and this level of skill in a lifetime, never mind the 3 years of a degree!

Viewing the prints has made me realise that I will have to take some private Printing courses to extend my knowledge and techniques. Time is all that is required. I'm on it.

Crushed and humbled, I collapsed into a cafe seat, and found myself shortly thereafter guzzling a huge square of lemon cake and sucking down tea like a parched foreign legionnaire. As a consequence I 'bucked up' somewhat. The sugar rush enabled me to view the collection again, with a little more sense and proportion. There were one or two exhibits that I could perhaps match.

I departed the show in rather better spirits than I arrived, and may even go again if I find myself near the Humber Bridge.

Yet more pouring rain as I motored on to visit family members, and made my way home on flooded roads through torrents of water. Phew. Hopefully, not long til gin o'clock. Its been a big day.

Kiss, kiss. X