Calendar

 Mary Gillett, BAHons, ATC, PGDip.

07817 165856

I run printmaking courses specialising in etching from my studio situated on the edge of Dartmoor near Tavistock, where the Tamar Valley (now a World Heritage Site) and the Devon and Cornwall coastlines are within easy distance.

Beginners, amateurs and professionals rub shoulders in a light hearted and friendly, atelier-like atmosphere and I teach in an informal and non-prescriptive manner with emphasis on guidance within the context of individual needs, abilities and ideas. There are no (or few) holds barred. Once you have grasped the basic principles then have fun breaking the rules. (But only if you want to!) Numbers are limited and so personal attention is guaranteed. I use the introduction to etching as a starting point but other printmaking media feature too, such as monoprint, collagraph, drypoint, carborundum and linocut.

"This is a workshop you can come to either as a complete beginner, an 'old hand', or anything in between and you will be welcomed by Mary with equal enthusiasm. Her warm and friendly approach belies a high standard of professionalism and allows students to develop at their own pace, whatever their skills level. In this atmosphere of support and companionship the small group of students also learn from, and inspire each other.

They share not only equipment, but ideas - and jokes too, as there is often much laughter.This is much more than just a workshop - it is a Community and to work in such a group, even for a day, is to enjoy something all too rare these days - a deeply rewarding experience."
                                                                                                                                                                                             Marcia Pirie

"Mary Gillett's printmaking workshops are truly inspirational. I am a professional painter who was able to catch up with my lost printmaking skills and learned many more new techniques in a very well organised, fun loving working environment. Mary Gillett is a superb technician and an excellent tutor. The comprehensive approach to the different ways of using colour and the three-colour plate printing technique for example were one of the recent discoveries, which have enriched my practice as an artist."
                                                                                                                                                                                     Madeleine Strobel

"As usual, a huge thank you for an excellent two day colour printing course and for all the trouble you took to make it run smoothly. For me, the most helpful aspects were - the chance to see your plates in conjunction with the finished prints and to hear you describe how you arrived at the finished article- the chance to see your plates in conjunction with the finished prints and to hear you describe how you arrived at the finished article, the very hands-on approach to learning the different techniques, endless encouragement for all of us ( again, as usual), excellent company and a lot of fun"
                                                                                                                                                                                          Alison Pinney

That was exactly the way to begin to learn about printing - with your patient guidance and surrounded by a great bunch of people.  I wouldn't have changed a thing - so thank you very much - loved it!  
                                                                                                                                                                                          Sue Hardy

What a wonderful, and probably life-changing week.  The chance of a life-time spent with your excellent, gentle tuition and the entertaining company of fellow students.  I would feel very privileged to be able to work with you again sometime in the future.
                                                                                                                                                                                        Wendy Picken

(For more information about the background to the workshop - please click on the 'Workshops and Classes' link at the very top of the page.)

CALENDAR 2011/2012

*Loyalty Membership.

There is no membership fee, but to become a member, students are asked to attend classes until they feel confident about working on their own without help. A guideline would be either 20 consecutive weeks of regular weekly classes, or 10 consecutive day workshops, or a combination.

The workshop opens on a Monday for untutored but supervised sessions. Most people use these drop in sessions to supplement their classes and workshops, e.g. for printing, but some come only because they have reached a stage where they rarely need help and are confident about working on their own.

ABOUT THE COURSES AT TAMAR PRINT WORKSHOP

Course layout:

The courses provide opportunities for beginners to discover the process, and for the more advanced to develop, by experimenting and exploring various elements of printmaking. Rather than formal instruction, the emphasis is on the exchange of ideas and feedback generated by informal discussion.

Beginners are guided through some of the basic traditional etching processes, e.g. hard ground, soft ground, aquatint, open bite and sugar lift. The more advanced may arrive with a specific project or idea to work with. Based on initial discussions, each student is encouraged at their own pace and within their own context.

There are opportunities to experiment with some acrylic resist techniques and with linocut, collagraph, monoprint and other techniques - either separately - or in conjunction with traditional etching.

Workshop facilities:

The workshop is efficiently equipped for various forms of printmaking, having the benefit of three printing presses. The large Rochat etching press (bed size 26" x 48") is partnered by a Littlejohn - a smaller bench press, and there is a small proofing press. In addition to etchings, monoprints and collagraphs can be printed on all presses. The smaller presses can be adapted to print lino and woodcuts.

The space is divided into two sections, the main area for printing and working on plates, blocks etc; and a separate, smaller room for processing (mainly etching plates), which houses the acid tray, aquatint box and cleaning area and helps to maintain a safe working environment.

Things to bring:

Subject matter to work from, e.g. photos, sketches, sketchbooks, examples of finished work etc. etc. (This is very important to me - so that I can give the right kind of advice.)

Photos or slides of your work (if you have any - but don't worry if not) to share with the other participants.

Brushes for detailed work (not your best ones).

Hand wipes.

Old clothes and warm clothes if it's cold!

Times: Each day will start at 10.00 a.m. and finish at 5.00 p.m.

Accommodation:

A list of attractive local farmhouse bed and breakfast accommodation will be available.

Meals:

Tea and coffee will be provided but for all day courses please bring lunch to share. There are plenty of places to eat out in the evening - a list of suggestions will be available.

Directions:

Please contact me for specific directions nearer the time.

E.mail or phone (07817 165856) for more information and booking form.