The Craft Centre and Design Gallery is thrilled to present a beautiful collection of new prints by renowned printmaker Julie Bailey.  Julie started her career 20 years ago as a design jeweller working with precious metals, subsequently specialising in Fine Art Printmaking and gaining a Degree in the subject.  She is currently studying for a Masters Degree in Contemporary Fine Art at Sheffield Hallam University.

Beginning her journey into printmaking, Julie uses her journals and sketchbooks to collect thoughts, writings, images, drawings, photographs, souvenirs and objects that belong to the ‘everyday’.  Her attention is drawn to detail, the layers and the intricacies of the relationship between things that have been directly or indirectly a part of her life experiences and the life experiences of others around her.  These processes are mirrored in Julie’s printmaking as layers are built up within each print, creating an exquisite visual story:

 “Like a painter I respond and reflect intuitively to what is happening on the plate/canvas and consider it an extension of the creative thought processes begun in my sketchbooks.” 

Julie’s work uses a variety of printmaking techniques; collagraph, drypoint, chine-colle, stencils, relief and monotype which all combine wonderfully to bring intrigue and interest to her prints.  Colour is applied to the individual printmaking plates using oil based inks, which are mixed, layered, rolled, painted, drawn and wiped to complicate and enrich the imagery.

Julie works from her studio in York exhibiting prints both locally and nationally and has also been selected for international exhibitions.  Her collection of new works is a must see for visitors to gain inspiration from and to be charmed by the beauty inherent in the works.