I attended a two hour introductory workshop held by the Swan Skin printmaking group yesterday. The session accompanied their exhibition (still on till 14 November 2014 at The Castle in Bude) and gave a group of about a dozen or so a hands-on dabble at the monotype print process.

I say this is a first dabble for me, which isn't strictly true, as I have used elements of printmaking in my work over the years and was even an early rubber stamp collector, but this was my first time purely printmaking (with proper printing inks) for the sake of printmaking. I didn't get a chance to use the press, but I did covet it from a distance.

We created monotypes, which The Tate Guide to Modern Art Terms defines as:

"A unique image printed from a polished plate, such as glass or metal, painted with ink but not a permanent printing matrix. A monotype impression is generally unique, though a second, lighter impression from the painted printing element can sometimes be made."

It's been a long time since I felt new and inadequate in an art skill, but I have to give huge respect to the printmakers out there. This stuff ain't easy, though at times it can look deceptively so. What I created isn't particularly attractive, but it's growing on me. The important thing is that I learned and had a play. I gave myself a chance to be new at something and, frankly, suck at it. You have to crawl before you can walk after all.

Printmaking isn't for me right now, but I know I'll incorporate more in my mixed media work after yesterday. It's in my brain now, and perhaps a corner of a future studio space will permit a press and other printmaking materials. I have had books on the subject for a long time and was a print professional for years (with an industrial scale, direct mail printing company), so I know I'll revisit.

Thank you, Sophie and the other talented Swan Skin printmakers, for getting my hands inky.