It’s Screen Printing Week here in the gallery. A celebration of all things screen printed. With some of our most sought after Edinburgh themed prints in the gallery, It seemed only right that we asked local designer/printmaker and ECA Alumni Susie Wright to be our Meet The Maker this week.
Susie creates prints, greetings cards and contemporary home accessories. Working in her Edinburgh studio, and recently relocated Edinburgh Printmakers. She enjoys creating original designs which are inspired by her observations of landscape and architecture, wildlife and flora, from Scotland and overseas. Susie is keen to maintain traditional printing techniques, so uses screen printing, lino cutting and wood engraving to produce her work, and is committed to carefully sourcing and using sustainable, eco-friendly materials as much as possible.
We’ve worked with Susie since graduation. We’re lucky to have had her Exhibiting new work over the years and installing many a beautiful window for us. The most recent, back in June 2018.
What Do You Love Most About What You Do?
So many things but especially print making. I enjoy making things, exploring ideas and the journey that takes you on.
A fresh batch of Susie’s Forth Rail Bridge Screen Print, drying on the print rack
Where Did You Study And Why?
I studied first at Edinburgh College of Art thinking I wanted to do either painting or graphic design and discovered illustration which seemed like an excellent middle ground and introduced me to printmaking. I then went on to do an MA at Saint Martins to have a change of scene and immerse myself in the creative culture of London.
Ink ready to pull on the screen
Where Do You Base Yourself & Why?
I am based in Edinburgh now after a number of years away and overseas where I have a lovely studio near Canonmills. I came back for various reasons but one was definitely because of the excellent print facilities of Edinburgh Printmakers (which just got even better with their move to Castle Mills).
Fresh off the printing press is Susie’s New Crail Screen Print – £55
What Do You Like To Do When Escaping Work? Where’s Your Favourite Coffee Spot?
I don’t seem to escape work very much these days, even holidays are spent drawing! I’ve been really enjoying exploring more of Scotland recently, especially the west coast. But even just time going for a walk round Arthur’s Seat or spent sitting outside in the garden looking at flowers and a bit of bird watching makes me very happy! Must be getting old…
I’m more of a decaf tea drinker these days but I love Fieldwork in Fountainbridge, they do excellent cake and it’s near the new printmakers…
I really love making my screen prints though or any form of printmaking. There is something about the physicality of the printing process that I crave and definitely informs the way I create. I like that you have to respond to each layer and even with lots of planning you never really know what something will look like until it’s finished.
Edinburgh Drawing Screen Print – £115
What Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self?
Don’t worry too much, things have a way of working out.
Surprised Owl Screen Print – £50
Who’s Your Favourite Artist at The Red Door and what would be your Top Purchase?
I can’t just pick one so I pick 2 fellow screen printers; I love Charlotte Farmer’s work, we studied together at Saint Martins for our MA so it always makes me smile to see her prints when I visit Red Door. And Patrizio Belcampo, who I regularly print alongside and is as fussy as me about keeping things clean, I am always in awe of his immaculate flat colours and attention to detail.
Top purchase: Nightingale by Patrizio Belcampo
We’d like to thank Susie for taking the time to let us get to her and her work and process. Keep your eyes peeled across our social media over the next few weeks as we delve into different printing processes. This week is Screen Printing Week.
