Sheffield artist recreates popular woodcut print ‘live’ at Cupola Gallery

The artist, who currently lives and works in the city, decided to create the print live in the Sheffield gallery, with members of the public able to pop in and watch him at work.

Speaking ahead of the event, which saw John re-print his large piece ‘Hinged,’ gallery owner Karen Sherwood said: “Such a large print cannot be put through a traditional press and so I’m afraid it is ‘old school’ elbow grease and the back of a spoon that will make this happen.”

John’s solo show opened last month and will run until August 22.

Unusually, John is exhibiting his carved wood blocks from which his prints are made alongside the prints themselves.

Karen added: “This was a deliberate choice to try to convey the physical effort and skill that goes into what people casually refer to as a ‘print.’

“A major feature of the exhibition is what looks like a large four piece folding screen, when it is in fact the carved wooden plates for the largest of his woodcut prints ‘Hinged.’

“As the print on show is now sold, John thought it would be ‘fun’ to make another print ‘live’ in the gallery.

"For anyone who loves original printmaking, John’s show is not to be missed.”

Speaking about his work, John said: “When everything is possible you need to find out what is important to you; printmaking for me is a way of limiting my options so that I can distill what is vital.

“In my work I set out to edit everything down to what is essential. I restrict myself so that I can properly explore the confines I have set myself. Printmaking slows me down so that I can properly appreciate the journey's detail.

“My work is very simple in its resolution but huge trial and error has gone into deciding what will be shown.

“My art is not reliant on a play on words. It is not a clever magic trick. The art I love offers something new to the viewer every day.”

Visit Cupola’s website for details.