Karen Edwards

I studied graphic arts at a time when tutors where pushing computers. I appreciated the technical capabilities but I just loved the experience an original print produced. It was a full sensory experience. Feeling the texture of the paper, handling the type, carving the linoleum block – you can even hear when you have rolled out the ink to the consistency that is just right.

It is a time consuming process and can take hours, even days to get to the printmaking stage but when printing is in full swing you hit a rhythm and it’s like music or the sound of the sea - another favourite sound of mine!

My letterpress items are printed using vintage printing blocks together with wooden and metal type on my lovely old printing press called an Adana 8 x 5. I also use carve rubber stamps or create printing blocks from found materials.

Read an interview with Karen as our featured Artist Member for February 2024 here.