November opening hours: Tues to Sat 11am to 4pm.
Louisa Ellis
Louisa Ellis completed an art foundation course at Kingsway Princeton College in London and first became interested in printmaking while studying for a B.Ed. at the University of the Southbank, London, where art was her major.
Louisa exhibited her work in Cornwall but quickly realised that she had to take a teaching job to support her young family. After more than 20 years as a primary teacher, she returned to her dream of becoming a full-time printmaker.
She has developed a method which involves drawing directly onto a sheet of plywood and cutting a key block from this drawing. Louisa then prints this onto the reverse side of the plywood and cuts out the sections to be printed in colour. She prints her work using linseed oil-based inks and burnishes by hand with a Japanese baran.
What Is a Woodcut Print?
A woodcut print is a traditional printmaking technique that involves carving an image or design onto a block of wood. This artistic process dates back centuries and continues to captivate artists and art enthusiasts alike. To create a woodcut print, the artist carves away the negative spaces of the image, leaving the raised areas intact. Ink is then applied to the raised surface, and the block is pressed onto paper or another suitable material. The result is a beautifully textured print showcasing the wood’s distinctive grain and character. Woodcut prints often possess a charming rustic quality and uniquely blend precision and organic warmth as shown in Louisa Ellis’s work.
Our Favourite Pieces
Each piece is beautifully handmade and unique, we have selected a few of our favourites to show you.
Hare Woodcut Print
This delightful artwork showcases the harmonious blend of meticulous craftsmanship and artistic vision. The intricate details and delicate lines of the hares’ form beautifully captures the grace and vitality of this beloved creature. Louisa Ellis’s masterful use of the woodcut technique lends a unique texture and depth to the print, enhancing its overall visual impact. The composition exudes a sense of serene tranquillity, inviting viewers to appreciate the natural world with renewed wonder.
Fox Woodcut Prints
This charming woodcut print features enchanting trees serving as a picturesque backdrop for the fox. Each print is meticulously crafted by hand, employing linseed oil-based inks to ensure a unique and authentic piece. As a result of this intricate process, variations in print depth and colour may occur, adding to the charm and individuality of each artwork. Louisa Ellis’s woodblock print of the fox is a harmonious blend of artistic skill and nature’s allure, offering a captivating visual experience to admirers and collectors alike.
