GALLERY

SUE BROWN

Sue studied etching to degree level in the late 70s at Bristol. In 1996 she added collagraphs to her portfolio of work after discovering this printmaking technique at the Steiner School in Gloucester. The process involves making a collage, sealing the surface with varnish, then inking and printing the plate with an etching press. The technique provides intaglio prints with deeply textural surfaces.

Sue extended her practice further in 2000 by working with ‘non toxic’ etching developed by Keith Howard and Friedhard Kiekeban. Now etching plate safely in her studio she explores the possibilities of combining etching and collagraph plates in the same image.

The images Sue uses are a vehicle for her to use the qualities of these two printmaking techniques. By developing layers of mono print over collagraph work, then, reprinting with further plates, rich layers of ink are built up. This results in a very limited edition of between 10–30 pieces and each print has unique accidental qualities.

Sue is passionate about promoting the understanding of artists original printmaking as an art form; to this end she is involved in working with all age groups across Gloucestershire conducting workshops and demonstrations in a wide variety of intaglio techniques. Sues attitude to her work is summed up by the following paraphrased quote by Miro, “For me, printmaking is a major means of expression. It has been a means of liberation, expansion and discovery”.