Rider Resilience

‘Rider Resilience’ Original Silkscreen Print by artist Katie Edwards in collaboration with Nils Amelinckx’ (RR Founder) behind the photography.

Here’s what you need to know:

• 6 colour original silkscreen print on Fabriano.

• Limited edition of 20, each one is unique

• Mounted size 40.5 x 30.5cm Actual print size 29 x 20cm

• Comes mounted and fits a standard 12 x 16” frame

• All profits go towards Rider Resilience!

• Order will be fulfilled and dispatched by Katie Edwards Illustration

• £90 including p&p

RIDER RESILIENCE is a registered not-for-profit community interest company set up to draw on the strength and camaraderie of the bicycle community, to enable anyone in the face of adversity to ride through their hardship.

By encouraging the use of any bicycle as a platform to find resilience, the movement pulls together cyclists to support each other, paying forward the joy derived from riding and in turn making the world a better place.

RIDER RESILIENCE revolves around two main axles:

FOSTERING resilience through storytelling and the curation of an inspiration library

Generating FUNDING to support causes that share our ethos

Our aim is to become a global collective, focused on strong rider affiliation and a powerful sense of community integration.

Rider Resilience will be a resource from which strength, inspiration and funding for special projects can be drawn, allowing anyone to #RideItOut

These screenprints are produced by forcing ink through fabric stretched on a frame. The fabric is blocked out where unprinted areas are wanted, forming a stencil. Ink is forced through the open mesh of the fabric, with a squeegee, onto the surface below. 

An original print is a work of art created by hand and printed by hand. Each print produced is a unique work although produced as a signed and numbered multiple. These original prints are signed in pencil by Katie Edwards and are numbered identifying the individual print within the edition.

Order yours here….

New Bargain Box Updates

I’ve updated the Bargain Box again, take look through and let me know if you’d like to see any in more detail via email info@ktedwards.co.uk, enjoy!

A birthday gift for a mountain biker

So excited this secret is finally out of the bag, I’ve been dying to share it with you because I love it. 

And I can personally relate to everything in this commissioned screen print. A birthday gift surprise screen print on copper leaf, using the clients photographs of mountain biking the Top of the World Trail in Whistler and them watching the sunset with their black Labrador. 

Including this perfect quote from Winnie the Pooh...

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.
But the most important thing is, even if we are apart, I'll always be with you.” 

I hope they like it as much as enjoyed making it. I’ve heard that they do.

And it looks great on the blue wall…

I have a version called ‘All down hill from here’ in my shop which you might also like:

How to make a silk screen using uv light and photographic emulsion

How to make a silk screen using uv light and photographic emulsion…you will need, a silk screen, photographic emulsion, a squeegee or coating tray, a stencil printed on acetate and a uv light or exposure unit.

Roomzzz Manchester Corn Exchange

A tour around Roomzzz Manchester Corn Exchange and all the screen prints that are hanging on the walls.

Freedom, running is good for mind, body and soul.

The benefits of running are endless; from keeping healthy, being social, clearing out those toxins or, clearing out the mind and de stressing. A sense of freedom and achievement. Exercise is good for the mind and body, what ever your chosen sport go and get outside…you’ll feel great. Here I am printing my 5 colour ‘Freedom’ screen print which I think illustrates what running and exercising in the outdoors can be for people.

A unique Christmas Jumper

I decided it was time to upgrade my Christmas wardrobe and get a new Christmas jumper, but I couldn’t find any that I liked, so I designed and screen printed my own! One year, I might have enough time to make some more to sell….

How to frame a screen print...

I paint, distress and wax my own picture frames. They really suit my screen prints, and I get a lot of compliments on them at my art shows. The white frames really bring out the colourful screen prints and the different styles look quirky together in the exhibition. Framing the screen prints is quite time consuming, mainly trying to get every speck of dust of the glass. Here is a sped up video of me framing ‘Blooming Colourful’….

Seldom Seen Mountain Biking Screenprint

Building up the layers of this 10 colour screen print, watching a piece develop and seeing it all come together, is really exciting . My favourite part of summer is sunset mountain bike rides with my friends, this route down Helvellyn, the lake district, takes in some amazing views of Ullswater.

Printfest 2020 Ulverston Virtual Exhibition

This years Printfest has been postponed until next year. Art fairs are my only opportunity to meet my customers face to face, and have a chat about my screen prints and the processes that I use. They are also the only opportunity to get all my one off prints out on display, as I have so many that I can’t put them all on the online shop. I did a virtual exhibition over the printfest weekend, and showed some videos of my framed pieces and flicked through my many browsers. Have a flick and see if anything takes your fancy! I can send photos of anything you would like to see in more detail.

Framed screen prints of all sizes

A4 portrait screen prints part 1, starting from £60

A4 portrait screen prints part 2, starting from £60

A4 landscape screen prints, starting from £60

Larger screen prints, A3 size and upwards, starting from £90

Small screen prints, starting from £40

The bargain box, all screen prints are £10, most of them are one off originals, so an absolute bargain.

How to paint your own rustic shabby chic picture frame....

A step by step guide of how to paint your own picture frame: you will need a picture frame, some chalk paint of your colour choice( I like to use white as it brings out the colour in the screen prints), a paint brush, some sand paper, finishing wax and a lint free cloth. This is a great way to transform picture frames that you already have,or you can pick them up in charity shops. Enjoy! let me know if you have any question….

All things Doggy!

After noticing a particular liking to my Dog prints, I have decided to dedicate this blog to all things doggy!

I love dogs! I grew up with dogs throughout my child hood. I jump at any opportunity to look after any friends pooch. We now have our own fluffy family member, Rhyder, a Kelpie Border Collie Cross.

All my screen prints are based on photographs that I have taken. Here are some of my dog illustrations, some of which you can by in my shop.

I am now offering the opportunity for you to commission an illustration using photographs of your own dog. Please get in touch if this is something that interests you, or another dog lover that you know.

‘Intrigue’

Dog themed greeting cards.

‘Dog Cushion’

‘Playful’

‘Toy Dog’

‘Guardian Dog Angel’

‘Staffy’

Dog and Trampoline ‘Jump’

‘Lonely’

‘Dog and Plane’

‘Guard Dog I’

‘Guard Dog II’

‘Don’t Dance Around Depression’

‘Dog Days’

‘Big Stick’

‘Up to mischief’ Naughty little Pug

Winner of the Bridgeman Studio Award 2014

Winner of the Bridgeman Studio Award 2014

“Katie Edwards was our winning choice for the Bridgeman Studio Award, which was a roundly unanimous decision. We felt that her illustration was an imaginative interpretation on the set theme of JOY, as well as displaying technical skill and a commercial sensibility. The judging panel felt Katie’s witty images worked for product use, as well being broad enough for multiple licensing uses and works of art in their own right.” Victoria Bridgeman, CEO of Bridgeman Images. 

JOY

Cruelty Free International

Cruelty Free International has teamed with up and coming guest artists to produce a limited edition collection of t-shirts that celebrate style and promote cruelty-free living.

Seven artists have taken part in the collection, each producing a design which is replicated on black and white t-shirts for both men and women. The eclectic t-shirt collection is designed to appeal to all tastes, and all designs stem back to the reason behind this style-setting initiative: cruel cosmetics are outdated and the public want a global ban on animal testing for cosmetics.

The t-shirts are on sale from the Cruelty Free International shop and have been launched the first day of New York fashion week. This animal friendly collection is designed to help animals in laboratories – so get your paws on one now!

Press Release

Spirit animals ‘That which we do not understand’

Some insight into my creative process as a screen printer, work in progress and the finished illustration. This is my submission for Amelias Magazine 10th Anniversary Limited edition artists book. The open brief was ‘That which we do not understand’. This project is supported by Kickstarter.

The theme of my illustration is Spirit animals, they are our guides to assist us on our journeys through life, providing encouragement and inspiration to help you navigate through life’s challenges and transitions.

“If you talk to the Animals they will talk with you and you will know each other, if you do not talk to them you will not know them. What you do not know you will fear, what one fears, one destroys.” Cheif Dan George

After researching my inspiration, brainstorming, sketching concepts, photo editing and them compiling the artwork, I move onto screen printing the artwork. First step mixing the colours……

Then its the colour base layers, this design had 5 base colours, some screen printed and some hand painted to add extra texture. I experiment with different paper types and colours.

Screen printing the detailed layer of the artwork with black ink, drawing the ink through the silk screen with a squeegee. The artwork is transferred to the silk screen using photographic emulsion and exposure to UV light.

Native American tradition states: a person is assigned nine animal guides to provide spiritual direction. I do not know my spirit animals, but chose those which I was lucky enough to encounter and photograph during my recent years living in Canada. We can shapeshift into our Power animal to see through their eyes and hear with their ears. Our power animal lives within us, the wild creature that you are deep down. I chose the Raven as my power animal as it features throughout my creative career as an emblem. Symbolism plays a big part in my illustration practice, the significance of specific spirit animals and what they represent really interests me. The Raven can represent playfulness, creativity, a divine balance between light and dark, comfort in solitude, stillness and quiet.

Test print of the detailed layer in black ink.

Almost finished, three more colours to print on top of the print now to add the colourful leaves to the trees.

The finished illustration…..

I received the great news that my illustration submission ‘Guiding the way’ has made the cut to be included in Amelia’s Magazine 10 year Anniversary Gold Foil Artists Book. This is very exciting news as its a project i’m very inspired by, and can’t wait to see the finished book. Below is the revised version of the print to include even more gold foil, which I think finishes off the print perfectly.

Amelias Magazine Book Launch

Book launch event and exhibition for Amelia’s Magazine ‘That Which We Do Not Understand’, it was held at Tatty Devine shop on Brick Lane, London. It was so lovely to finally meet Amelia Gregory and all the other contributors to the book and of course see the book in print…..

The gold leaf cover of the Limited edition artists book to celebrate 10 yrs of Amelias Magazine.

And of course the most exciting bit….seeing my illustration in print!!

I then decided to develop ‘Guiding the Way’ into a limited edition screen print, here is a sped up video of me doing just that…

The finished and framed ‘Guiding the Way II’ available in the shop

Finding Their Feet

An illustration to accompany an article in Inside Housing Magazine, about providing support for children and teenagers who are in care homes and an ongoing commitment when they are ready to leave care, so helping them to become independent. The bases of the illustration is about ‘flying the nest’ resulting in a conceptual image of a nest with children inside and teenagers walking out.

“A partnership between Nottingham City Homes and Nottingham Council aims to move away from large traditional care homes for children, to smaller homes that encourage independence. The ALMO has worked with Nottingham Council to develop a care scheme that aims to teach young people the skills they need to live independently. The two organisations have set up six ‘semi-independent’ care homes for small groups of two to three young people. In theory, residents can be between the ages of 12 and 18, but in reality most of the 200-plus young people housed since the project began in February 2011 have been older teenagers. No adults live in the homes, but the young people receive daily visits to check in on their progress, as well as visits from their individual social workers.”

True Romance

Valentines’ Day is on its way, and to celebrate Amelia’s Magazine ran an open brief for love themed artwork. The brief was to create art that would look great on the wall, year round, and be inspired by all things amorous…

I love animals, who doesn’t? I decided they were a great way to convey the idea of Love, Affection and Companionship. I think most people could relate to the imagery I have used and feel some emotions. Animals often feature in my illustrations because they are very symbolic, as they don’t change with time or technology. They will always stay the same, and so will their symbolic meanings.

My Illustration has been chosen to be published as high quality Giclee prints in collaboration with East End Prints. These prints will appear for sale online and in a special exhibition at 70 Paul Street just off Old Street in East London, running from 6-17th February.

Awagami International Miniture Print Exhibition in Japan

This month I have been lucky enough to spend 3 weeks travelling around Japan, it was the most amazing trip to such a beautiful country, full of culture, delicious food and the friendliest of people. During the trip I went to see my silkscreen print ‘Paint The World’ in the Awagami International Miniture Print Exhibition. Here are some photos from the trip…

The beautiful Mt Fuji at Sunset

The mountains of the Japanese Alps, Kamikochi.

The delicious variety of food

The temples of Kyoto

And the beautiful Geisha outfits

The bright lights and food delicacies of Osaka

Cycling around the art island of Naoshima, exploring the many art galleries and outdoor sculptures in a gorgeous setting.

The Awagami International Miniature Print Exhibition, which was held at the Awagami handmade paper factory.

Watching paper being made at the Awagami paper factory

Exploring the Oboke Gorge in the Iya Valley

Taking in the panoramic views from the top of Mt Misen, Miyajima, Hiroshima

The gorgeous beaches of the Okinawa Islands and exploring the wildlife under the sea.

Taking in the shops of Ginza, that could easily be art galleries.

Designer hermit crab shells at Tokyo design week.

The sun rising over the Tokyo cityscape.

What are original screen prints?

I’m hoping the following information will help you understand the differences between Prints, Original Prints, Limited Editions, Original Artworks and Giclee Prints….

Definition of a Print:

A print is a picture, text or design often produced in multiple copies, by applying ink to paper or other material by various processes.

The word ‘print’ is used to describe both digitally reproduced and hand-printed work (such as printmaking) and it is not always clear to buyers which process has been used to reproduce the print.

Definition of an Original Artists Print:

Hand-made prints are not a digital reproduction. They are produced by hand from a printing plate or silkscreen which can be made by hand or created digitally, or a combination of both. The plates or silkscreen it is printed from bear no resemblance to the finished work of art, which means it is not a copy or a reproduction of anything.  Only hand-printed work that has been manually produced by the artist can be called an original print. Anything else is simply a copy or reproduction.

Examples of traditional print-making processes include linocut, woodcut, etching, screen-printing, monotype and collograph. Creating an original print using one of these processes usually involves many hours in the studio, infinite patience and experience with an array of chemicals, plates and (often ancient) equipment!

In screen printing the inks are mixed by hand and pulled through the silkscreen (which has a negative stencil of the image to be printed) by hand using a squeegee. Each colour in the print is printed separately.

Each print, although it may be one of a numbered series (or edition) is a unique, original, hand-crafted piece of art. Although the image is the same in an edition of hand-made prints, no two are exactly identical as each one has been individually printed. Slight differences in the amount of ink applied and the pressure on the press make each print unique. Signing and numbering prints (as part of a limited edition) does not necessarily mean that the print is a hand-printed original.

If you look closely at my original hand-made silkscreen prints you can see differences in texture and sheen between the ink and the paper. The inks I use are slightly raised on the paper and have a soft sheen which contrasts with the velvety matt surface of the paper.

Original Artworks

I have some pieces on my website that are Original Artwork. These are silkscreen prints that are completely original and not part of an edition. They are usually created as experiments and are the first time I will have created that image. I experiment with different papers, colours, positioning and often hand paint layers with acrylic. I consider them to be as original as an oil painting. They are priced higher than my Original Prints because they are one offs.

Here is an example of my Original Artwork of ‘Joy’, all the colours in this artwork are hand painted in acrylic, only the black is printed by silkscreen.

and below the Original Silkscreen Print of ‘Joy’ which is an edition print and larger in size.

What original prints are NOT…

• Original prints are not photographic, or scanned, copies of paintings.

• Original printmaking does not involve a painting being painted, photographed (or scanned) to turn it into a computer file printed from a large format computerised printer.

Original prints are…

• A printmaker sets out to create a print, and only a print – there is no (‘master’) painting.

• Each print in an edition is personally and methodically made by the printmaker.

• These variations of printmaking produce different types of original prints: Silkscreen Printing, Etching, Collagraph, Woodcut, Linocut, Lithography and others. However, the description above explains what is distinctive about all types of original printmaking.

The difference between a ‘Limited Edition’ and an ‘Original Print’

Many print collectors are confused by the terms “original print” and “limited edition print”. The two do not have the same meaning. The term “original print” is a specific term; “limited edition” is a general term. An original print is almost always a limited edition print simply because the edition is limited to the actual number of prints that can be safely “pulled” or printed from the plates/silkscreen before the plates begin to wear out and break down from the physical wear and tear of the printing process. But a limited edition print may or may not be an original work of art. It might be just a digital reproduction of a painting, photograph, drawing, etc, in other words no more than a poster. The edition may be limited to an arbitrary number of 500, 1000, often more, and is sometimes even signed in pencil by the artist. It is not, however, actually printed by the artist.

An original print is a work of art created by hand and printed by hand by the artist from a plate, block, stone, or silkscreen that has been hand created by the artist for the sole purpose of producing the desired image.

Original prints are traditionally signed in pencil by the artist. They are numbered to indicate how many prints there are in the edition and to identify the individual print. This number appears written as a fraction, for example: 34 / 75. This is called the edition number. The number to the right of the slash (in this example, 75) indicates the size of the edition: 75 prints have been produced. The number to the left is the actual number of the print. The artist traditionally keeps a separate group of prints aside from the edition marked as artist’s proofs, normally about 10% of the edition, these are marked A / P.

The term “limited edition” is vague. When purchasing a work of art it’s a good idea to know whether or not you’re buying the real thing, if you truly want the “real thing”. There is a reason for reproductions and posters in the print collectors’ market; a reproduction sells for hundreds or even thousands less than an original work by the same artist.

Digital & Giclee Prints

These are prints that have been reproduced using a sophisticated, professional inkjet printer, from a digital file, onto fine art paper, photographic paper or canvas. They are reproduction prints (copies) which are not considered original works of art and do not fall into the category of printmaking. I do not have any Giclee prints for sale on my website.

Screen Printed Furniture

A new twist on up-cycled furniture.

I have wanted to try this for ages, and as I have just moved into a new home, I thought it was the perfect opportunity. I think the experiment paid off and created something really quite beautiful. After staining the drawers a darker shade, I decided to print retro geometric patterns onto the drawer fronts. I then finished them off with some antique brass handles. I love them!