Kestrels Near Harboro Rocks

A New Reduction Linocut Print Inspired by the Nature in the Derbyshire Dales

Way back in November I was lucky enough to go to the Derbyshire Dales and Peak District for a little birthday trip with Jack. I love this part of the English countryside. It is the nearest British National Park to Sheffield University (where I was studying for my degree) and I went on my first camping trip . Sleeping under the stars, I felt free and connected with nature. Growing up, my family were not ones for hiking or adventuring into the wilds. The outdoors was a revelation.

The limestone rocks are so atmospheric on a misty Autumn day. Fortunately, I always go walking with my binoculars. Just past the rocks, I was rewarded with some gorgeous views of the kestrels posing near the wooden pylons. I really wanted to make a linocut of these beautiful birds.

I started this print in November and it’s finally available. Visit my shop now. They are limited edition to only 11. Reduction printing is an extremely time consuming process, and when you have a full time job, tasks seem to take even longer!

I used the same piece of lino to make this multicoloured print by carving away bits of the lino and printing a layer of colour on top of the previous one. I burnish with a wooden spoon by hand. I don’t own a printing press. If you make a mistake, you can’t re-carve the layer, or create reprints. The block is gradually destroyed as I build up the layers.

Each piece is unique, and there are little discrepancies, but this is the charm of a handmade print. It’s made by me, a human! Not a machine.