Abstract monoprints on handmade Japanese papers. An intense experience of colour.

Inks are layered onto the paper by means of wood or lino, giving the work a distinct surface quality. Each print is unique, a one–off. The type and quality of the paper is an essential ingredient and greatly effects the end result. The printing process is very physical. The wood block is cut into using gouges. A range of colours are overprinted one at a time - wet ink on top of wet ink to build up texture and colour contrast. The prints are made both by hand burnishing and using a large 1850's Columbian relief press to lay down the colour. The first method results in light veils of colour, the second approach drives the ink into the paper under great pressure.

The work emerges from simple sketched drawings that make reference to real objects in the world around us: an element of the landscape, a domestic object, an iconic form. The work is made as an entirely intuitive response to these drawings. The sources are images, places, ideas, conversations half remembered and the aim of my work is to reflect back a particular way of seeing. The colours are the driving force breathing life into the spare shapes and forms.

The elements in the work are like signs, to trigger memories or other connections. These signs are in conversation with each other. Like Japanese Haiku - epigrammatic, visual poems giving a wide breadth of possible interpretation. They are still, meditative, balanced and aim to capture a sense of magic in the commonplace.

Simon Ripley CV : follow link below:

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Catalogue Essay from ‘Rich Resources’ Exhibition at Taunton Brewhouse Gallery October 2008 : follow link below:

/site/admin/files/CatalogueEssay.pdf