Amanda Hancock

I’m a visual artist with a focus on intaglio printmaking techniques, where an incised or textured plate is inked, wiped and printed on damp paper under the pressure of an etching press. However, excited by surface and having a curiosity in the qualities achieved through print has led to an experimental approach – pilfering and cross-purposing techniques as a means of describing ‘our’ marks and interventions within the landscape and challenging perceptions of the familiar and mundane.

Although process shapes the work an understated narrative, underpins my prints; be it a place, a mood or a moment re-imagined. Developing longer-term projects allows continued investigation into both theme and process, enabling my work to ebb and flow. The fusion of ideas resulting in a series of images that relate to each other irrespective of process, with some works being unique or variable monotypes whilst others are created as limited editions.

In November ’23, I embarked on a year-long Fellowship Residency at Artlab Contemporary Print Studio in Preston, representing a shift in my learning and creative practice. Part of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Artlab CPS is described as ‘a hub for incubating ideas and methods, developing innovative thinking about printmaking as a fine art discipline’.

Before a career shift from design for print to printmaking, I made a conscious decision to explore traditional print techniques on the Complete Printmaker Course at Hot Bed Press in Salford, where I remain a member. I’m also a member of the Regional Print Centre in Wrexham, North Wales, both of which provide access to amazing facilities and the camaraderie of fellow printmakers!