Simon Burder

Walna Scar IV
Stone: Tusche Wash, Soap Wash, Manière Noire
3 Runs employing a reductive technique
170mm x 120mm
2006

For me the appeal of lithography is the freedom of a direct and painterly means of expression within a technical discipline. The processing and printing of stones imposes unity on the image, which may be composed of disparate methods of drawing, while printing colour in separate layers is a limitation that encourages clarity of thought. Recently rocks have again become my source of imagery and the connection between subject and medium could not be more appropriate.

I was introduced to lithography as a student at Exeter College of Art and was immediately excited by the magical properties of grease and water. Attracted by a romantic view of Paris as an important centre in the history of lithography, I undertook further study at the Ecole des Beaux Arts. Later I joined Glasgow Print Studio before moving to work at Wimbledon School of Art. During this time I was also invited to teach lithography at Birmingham Institute of Art, Nottingham Polytechnic and Norwich School of Art. In 1995 I established my own lithography studio at Oaks Park near Sutton, where I continue to encourage other artists to discover for themselves the same excitement.

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