Printmaking started like this for me: I published my first story book in 1997 at the age of 10! It was a special gift from my grandparents, I still love reading and flicking through the book now, it’s called ‘Lucy and the Giant’. My love of books, stories and nature as a child has led to me to a long-term adventure in printmaking, especially relief printing. I used to spend hours collaging, writing and illustrating my own stories as a little girl with my mum (also a creative illustrator) on our kitchen table.
My training
I trained in fine art and specialised in the art of printmaking, graduating with first class honours in 2011 at the University of Wales (Swansea College of Art). Since then I have studied multi-disciplinary printmaking at UWE in Bristol and gained my Masters in Social Sculpture at Oxford in 2018. I’ve been teaching printmaking since 2011 and I’m in love with the magic of it.
My inspirations
My designs begin as sketches and drawings, inspired by walking and exploring in the British countryside. I love to create prints that tell their own unique story, something I call token of place. My home studio is in Wiltshire, where I hand-carve lino blocks and wood blocks. The rolling hills, stone circles and the iconic clumps of trees in Wiltshire enchant me and I’m always seeking the deeper meaning of places, their histories and stories. Sometimes my prints are referred to as ‘quilts’ and ‘tapestries’ because of their weaving of symbolic features and patterned elements.
My process
I feel making is integral to being human and what connects us, there’s an immense joy in bringing out that magic feeling in the people I teach, mentor and inspire. The benefits of making are huge, but the ones that resonate with me the most are the mindful moments whilst carving lino, drawing outdoors and just walking at my own pace in beautiful places. These are all things that connect me to my practice and the world around me.
My thing
In the 2020 pandemic, I took the leap to leave my full-time art lecturer position to become a self-employed designer-printmaker and I haven’t looked back since! There were many reasons behind this, it wasn’t an easy decision and at the time I couldn’t have told you if it was the right one or not. But, one year later, here I am showing up and doing my thing, inspiring others and creating reconnection with nature and mindful making – it makes my soul sing! This is what inspired me to create PRINTFOLK, an online learning community. It’s the perfect way to take time out for yourself, connect with nature, slow down and find your own pace, whilst learning relief printing and the art of printmakingthe art.
My courses
On 15th November I’ll be launching my first online print courses ‘Creative Stamping’ and ‘Handmade Linocut Christmas Cards’ complete with their own linocut kits, design templates and everything you’ll need to complete your course. If I could offer one piece of advice it would be grab a pen and a piece of paper and write down your dream plan, because with a plan you can make your own magic unfold!
To join an online community of printmakers click here at Hannah Cantellow Studio.
Insta: @hcstudiouk
You may also enjoy reading about Drew and Chichi and their artist community in Argentina
