Meet the Printmaker:
Andrew Campe
We were excited to catch up with lino printing artist Andrew Campe to find out how he learnt about linoprinting, what inspires him, his top tips for budding printmakers, and his plans for the future.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Andrew Campe, or Andy, I’m a linocut printmaker specialising in multi-block and reduction colour linos. I have been printing for around 5 years now, having received an Essdee block printing kit from my partner for Christmas. I always thought you needed studio space and expensive equipment for printmaking, but discovering lino artists on Instagram made me realise you didn’t need all that.
Describe your style of lino printing?
Up until a couple of years ago, I was solely working in black and white. I tried colour printing and was hooked. I suppose my work is now bold, graphical and colourful. It’s quite precise, which isn’t a bad thing, but sometimes I wish I worked a little looser.
How and when did you get started in lino printing?
Back when I was doing my illustration degree, I had a great tutor who taught us all a module on printmaking. Linocut was my pick of the bunch and I did my final project in lino. I had a few years away from art in general, but picked it up again around 10 years ago. I started doing commissioned pencil portraits, but then got the lino set for Christmas and haven’t looked back since. I still do the odd pencil portrait and most of my time is spent on linocut printing now.
Why linoprinting?
I love each part of the process. From the initial idea, design, carving and printing. I never get bored. The end result in seeing your print in the flesh is very satisfying… although occasionally frustrating when things don’t go to plan! Making mistakes is part of it… I’ve learned so much from messing things up.
Where do you work?
I have a day job in the broadcasting industry, so all my printing is done around that. I start work at 7/ 7.30am and usually get home around 4pm. I potter around for about 15 minutes and get straight onto the artwork. I don’t sit down otherwise I go into winddown mode and won’t want to carry on working! I try and do a couple of hours everyday and then some hours over the weekend if possible.
What inspires your work?
I love nature, music, film and TV, literature and nostalgic things from my childhood. I have so many ideas going around my head all the time, it’s difficult to whittle them down sometimes.
Do you have a favourite print that you have made?
Probably a recent one of a Full English Breakfast. It was 20 layers, using 5 blocks with each block being a reduction. It took nearly 2 months from start to finish. I think I was just proud, and relieved, with that one because it was so complex and it turned out pretty good in the end. I think I would have cried if it hadn’t!
What is your greatest achievement?
In terms of physical printing, probably the fry up linocut. Being a bit of a technophobe, I was proud of the fact I recently managed to set up a website on my own. Sounds simple to some, but for me it was a big achievement.
What are you working on at the moment?
I have just finished a ladybird multi-block print which I’m writing a blog post for. It’s a simple one which I hope will help people with multi-block printing. You can read the blog here.
Do you have a favourite Essdee product?
I love the blue soft rubber brayer.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
Erm… can’t think of anything interesting! My favorite animal is the Great White Shark. My top 5 lino artists are Chris Wormell, Linocutboy, Denton Watts, Tom Lawrey and Peter Nevins.
Do you have any top tips or advice for other lino printmakers?
Do it because you love it. If you don’t, try something else you will love doing.
What is your dream for your printmaking?
To have a garden studio and be a full time printmaker. Until then, I’ll keep plugging away, producing work and see where it takes me. I still have so much to learn.
Where can we see more of your work and buy your prints?
You can see my prints and what I am up to on Instagram and Facebook and you can buy my prints from my website.
Image credits – Photography Andrew Campe
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