Amanda Hancock
I am a visual artist investigating printmaking techniques as a means of describing imagined narratives. Through ongoing interrogation, drawing, making, and writing, these narratives evolve – but it's through a combination of print processes that the stories unfold.
My current project began after discovering jars of many shapes and sizes, each containing unidentifiable preserves. This encounter has led me to lithography, finding its autographic qualities allow me to capture these enigmatic vessels and an affinity with their maker.
In a previous body of work, a discarded ball of blue wool unravelling in the street became the catalyst for an installation of textural etchings and carborundum collagraphs based on irregular paving patterns, cast iron grids and makers' marks. Each print has a corresponding blue-thread collage
Developing long-term projects allows my work to ebb and flow, the fusion of curiosity, concept and process resulting in images that relate to one another irrespective of technique.
Lived Experience
My continuing residency at Artlab Contemporary Print Studio in Preston, has led to a shift in my learning and research, with the facilities to explore lithography alongside my wider creative practice. Part of the University of Lancashire, 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!
Background
2025-2027: Two year Fellowship Residency at Artlab CPS, at the University of Lancashire in Preston.
2024-2025: One year AA2A Residency at Artlab CPS, at the University of Lancashire in Preston.
2023-2024: One year Fellowship Residency at Artlab CPS, at the University of Lancashire in Preston.
2019/20: Completed years two and three of the Complete Printmaker Programme at Hot Bed Press, Salford.
2015: Year one of the three year Complete Printmaker Programme at Hot Bed Press, Salford.
BA (Hons) Graphic Design – Manchester School of Art, Mcr Metopolitan University.
Memberships
Member: Hot Bed Press Printmakers' Studio in Salford
Member: Regional Print Centre in Wrexham
Associate member: Castlefield Gallery
Exhibitions
2026 Mar 14 – May 2 : Mini Print Cymru | Wales transfers to Mostyn Gallery, Llandudno
2025 Nov 8 – Jan 10 2026 : Mini Print Cymru | Wales at the Mission Gallery, Swansea
2025 Nov 8 – Dec 21 : ‘Reverie’ Group show at Tarpey Gallery
2025 Nov 8 – Jan 24 2026 : Print International 2025, biennial exhibition at Tŷ Pawb, Wrecsam
2024 August : Tarpey Gallery Open, two works selected and invited to feature in upcoming show during 2025.
2023 August : Fusion Gallery, Jackfield in Ironbridge 'Printmakers Fair'.
A Group show with over 180 works on display by 18 printmakers
2022 May 6 - June 6 : ‘Watch this Space’, 285 Deansgate, Manchester.
‘Tracing the path to new horizons’ Collaborative installation together with artist Grace Collins (@onethousandprinces) in part resulting from our postal interactions during lockdown.
2022 January : Manchester Open at HOME MCR.
Printers Pairs etching selected for the second Manchester Open
2021 October 14-17 : Hot Bed Press Gallery, Salford. Installation of ‘Tracing The Path’. Comprising a series of free hanging prints paired with trace collages and 4.5m trace hanging as part of ‘Where were at’ a group show by INGO Collective.
2020 February 6-19 : Bean and Brush Art Café, Sale Manchester ‘Two Red Walls’.
Paired artists – part of an INGO Collective rolling group show.
2020 January : Inaugural Manchester Open at HOME MCR.
Two screenprints of the Welsh hills near Moel Fammau
Press
Pressing Matters – Print selected in the blue and yellow challenge spring 23 Issue 23
Printmaking Today – Article about Lockdown Collaborations the summer 2022 issue.
Helping Artists Keep Going
Axis is an artist-led charity supporting contemporary visual artists with resources, connection, and visibility.