Etching at The Art Academy

So, about four weeks ago, I started an evening etching class at The Art Academy in London. Four weeks ago, I also told myself that I would write this post.........oooops! I can verify with some relief that the etching class has been a lot more productive!
It's been over a year now that I last used the print room at Plymouth University, and while I had said I would try to find a print studio in London I could use to keep the etching going, I was worried that I would have forgotten how to use it by the time I got round to making good on the promise I had made to myself. I felt a refresher course was in order. Cue a quick search through Google and an halaluja moment when I found this fantastic six week evening course just round the corner from London Bridge at The Art Academy. Perfect for after work. I'll admit it's been tiring going straight from work to a three hour etching session but I've been enjoing the experience. It's also been good to be reminded of why I loved it before and to gain usefull tips on how to complete diferent stages of the process at home. Who knows, maybe I'll set up my own makeshift studio in the kitchen!
Last lesson I got to the stage of applying an aquatint and then etching for tone and shading. I find that the most nervracking stage because it really feels like guess work! I can't imagine getting to the stage when it won't! Next week will be the big test.....when I actually print. In the mean time, keep your fingers crossed for me and I'll leave you with the drawing of what I line etched. The tone is going on top. After spending a whole evening etching this image onto my plate, I then dreamed about foxes all night!

 

Practice makes perfect.

I have been an intern now for three weeks and I have come home proudly baring my first book bound at Rooks Book (by me of course but with some very patient, kind and much appreciated help). The first of many I hope. Although I have done book-binding before as an A level I'm a little rusty at the moment and so I was re-learning all about sewing, glueing, end papers, rounding and backing, making board covers and covering with leather in the making of this book. Using leather is what I'm most unfamiliar with but the skill which is really the key to working at Rooks Books as that is their speciality. I'm praying that practice will make perfect! I'm going to be keeping this book all for myself but not so sure what I'll fill it with yet. There is nothing more promising then a blank book and I'm always filled with a sense of trepidation at the thought of covering those pristine pages. However, it is also good to remember that there is nothing quite so magical as a book filled from cover to cover. I'll let you know what becomes of it. For now though, here's what it looks like!