Linda Nevill’s interest in creating original prints was first sparked while studying a History of Art degree at Edinburgh University. Linda then took an etching class and fell in love with the process, leading her to take a Fine Art Printmaking degree in 2000 where she first exhibited her prints.
Linda uses a wide variety of techniques and combinations of techniques in her practice including etching, dry point, collagraphs, lino prints, woodcut, photopolymer, monotypes, found object prints, lithography and screen printing. Each method creates a different style of print. Most recently, Linda has favoured etching, collagraphs, monoprints and lino prints.
In 2007, Linda was awarded an Arts Council travel and study grant to carry out research and create solar prints on Route 66 in the USA. Travel can widen the scope for print making, but with restrictions during the last year, Linda focussed her practice on the local landscape.
Working on a different scale also affects the kind of work created. Linda took part in several large-scale print projects and exhibitions, creating prints up to 10 feet (3 metres) long. Some of these were printed with the help of a large road roller. A collaborative approach is essential for a project like this, if only to support with placing and lifting the paper.
Inspired by the UK landscape, Linda’s current exhibition comprises collagraphs that are each 9cm square. At this size, the prints rely on abstract elements like colour and texture for impact rather than photographic-like details. Linda used grit, sand, plant material, plaster and cuts in the surface of the ‘plate’ to create each image.
She worked quickly outdoors during the winter to sketch, then retreated to the warmth of her studio to create the work, using her own photos and videos for reference.
Grit is a vital part of Linda’s collagraph plate-making process. The grit material creates texture, and, in another sense of the word, grit is essential to keep going during recent times. Linda’s usual practice of sketching outside has been limited during the last year.
Moving forward with her practice, Linda hopes to further emphasise abstract qualities in both her printmaking and painting. She knows that continuing to practice regularly is important, no matter what type of art is created, as creative expression is essential to Linda’s well-being. She gains excitement when generating art, both in the satisfaction of its completion and the pleasure it brings when others enjoy it.
About Us
The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA) is an artist-led charity which supports artists and promotes engagement with the visual arts through a range of exhibitions, events and workshops.
The RBSA runs an exhibition venue, the RBSA Gallery, in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, a short walk from the city centre.
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