My Journey Into Lino Printing

I started lino printing just over two and a half years ago. Becoming an artist wasn’t part of the plan; it all began because I needed to make friends. After living in southern Italy for two years with my husband, we moved back to Greater London. Working from home again as a military spouse, I realised how much I needed to sometimes be around people. 

I signed up for a local craft course, torn between pottery and lino printing. I chose printing because it was something I could do easily at home in armed forces housing. From the first class, I was hooked. I probably talked too much to my peers (as I do when I feel comfortable), but I loved it. My background in graphic design helped and inspired me; lino printing grabbed my attention in a way nothing else did. My tutor tried to get me to try other techniques, but I stuck with linocut, and that’s where it all began.

After the course, I bought my own tools, and my husband gave me a small press as a gift. From then on, I was off and running. Every morning before work, I’d draw, carve, and print. Sadly, my piano playing slipped away, but printing filled that creative space.

A few months later, I opened an Etsy shop and made my first sale to a lovely friend I’d met through our shared love of budgies. I kept going, adding more prints and slowly building confidence. Then a shop in Hertfordshire called Village & Co. asked if I’d like to sell with them. I said yes right away even though I had no idea what I was doing. It turned into a really special year of learning, selling, and taking part in my first creative markets.

As life goes with the armed forces, we moved again from Hertfordshire. First to Devon, then to our own home in Cornwall. Starting over again wasn’t easy, but Cornwall feels right. The landscape, the people, and the creative energy here make me want to keep growing and creating.

Now I’m slowly rebuilding my art business, selling at markets, joining the Bull Pen Gallery at Cotehele, and finding my place among other talented printmakers in Cornwall. There's a lot, and they sure do keep you on your toes. It’s not always easy, especially trying to balance lino printing with my day job and ensuring all my marketing looks professional so I’m taken seriously! This said, lino printing is a core way that I manage my wellbeing, so it's key it always remain a pleasure to do.

As I head into my third year of lino printing, I’m trying to focus on that, how much I’ve learnt, how much I’ve grown, and how lucky I am to do something I love. Here’s to another year of learning, creating, and maybe a few more sales!

Thank you so much for reading and for all your support; every like, follow, and purchase means more than you know.

With love until the next blog.

Joanna x