inteview - Katharine Watson.

 

 

 

Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your shop.

I create linoleum prints based on traditional textile designs and folk arts from around the world, as well as motifs and patterns found in nature. All of my work is done with hand-carved linoleum blocks.

Briefly describe the art of block printing.

Block printing is done with a printing block which can be made of wood, linoleum, rubber, any surface that can be carved into. The reverse image is carved into the block, and you carve away the negative space to create the design. The block is then inked and pressed onto the surface to make the print.

When did you start block printing? How did you get into this art?

I studied printmaking in college and loved block printing; I loved the simplicity of the process and the bold designs you can create with the blocks. It stood out to me from the other forms of printmaking because of how bright and bold the prints could be. I then traveled to India and studied block printing there, and combined the techniques I learned in both places to find my style.

How long does it take to go from an initial design sketch to a carved block?

I sketch out designs all the time, so sometimes a design will just sit for months before I am ready to start carving it. It depends on the size and complexity of the design, some take just a few hours and some can take weeks depending on the detail you are putting in.

Where do you do the majority of your work? Any pictures to share?

I work from my studio at my house, where I have all my supplies and my printing press.

Where do you seek inspiration for creating new designs and new products? How do you get yourself out of a dreaded creativity rut?

I love to look through old textile and pattern books, or through photos I have taken while traveling. I don't really get in creativity ruts, if I'm feeling unexcited by a project it usually means I need to change it and try again. Plus, there's always the business side of things to take care of, so I will usually just switch gears and come back to it later. I think the best way to get out of a rut is just to try something new.

The time and talent that goes into Katharine's prints is incredible.  Please take a minute and visit Katharine's shop and blog.  I'm partial to her monogram cards!