Kate Mee: February 2024
Meet Kate Mee, our Member of the Month for February
katemee.co.uk
@katemeeartist
How did you get into printmaking?
I think I found the best way to get into printmaking. Some years ago I was fortunate enough to participate in several courses run by the Double Elephant Print Studio. I already had a background in Fine Art which helped but I'm sure I would have fallen in love with the practice just as much if I hadn't.
Tell us a little bit about your printmaking practice - what's your work about? What processes do you use and why?
I mainly work using Drypoint and Linocut techniques. I'm intrigued by the intensity of the whole Drypoint process, from creating the plate to the final print. It is labour intensive but an absolute labour of love. My work focuses mostly on seashells found along the Devon and Cornish coastlines. They are a fascinating form in nature. My art practice was originally based around ideas in Chaos Theory and this is still relevant today. The formation of a shell is a perfect example. James Gleick (author & science historian) once wrote “our feeling for beauty is inspired by the harmonious arrangement of order and disorder as it occurs in natural objects”, which I think is very apt. I've always embraced mark making in my practice and Drypoint lets me explore this in printmaking and maintains a painterly quality to the finished image.
What do you like about Double Elephant?
I love the atmosphere at the D.E. Everyone is always so welcoming, friendly, supportive and knowledgeable. It's a great place, which is a real melting pot of creativity and it's a fabulous way to talk to other printmakers. The Albion Press is a piece of art in itself and I adore using it. The roller presses are much more modern and are also excellent pieces of equipment.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get into printmaking?
Without trying to sound like a promotional advert: My first piece of advice to anyone wanting to try printmaking is to enrol on one of the 'introduction to' courses run by the Double Elephant. Courses always provide the equipment and often the materials too. These courses are a great way to meet others who are also at the start of their printmaking journey.
Do you have any exhibitions or things you'd like to shout about that are coming up?
I was lucky enough to be involved in a group and a solo exhibition in 2023. I don't have any lined up in 2024 yet but I'm open to invites. Later in the year I hope to take part in the international 20:20 Print Exchange.
Anything else you'd like to mention?
Establishing yourself as an artist printmaker isn't easy. I'm currently trying to add a shop to my website but I'm not very tech savvy. It's a slow process. This year also sees me looking for a new art studio so if anyone has any ideas or tips for converting a garden shed, creating an online shop or knows of any studio spaces for rent then please get in touch!
