Education

Whilst on a recent demo I was asked if I was self taught or if I had been on a course. Not a simple answer to this one. I haven't been on "a course" although I did study Printmaking whilst at Leeds Met Uni in the 70's ( it was Leeds Poly in those days) but too be honest it was something I did as a break to the science heavy part of my course, I did really enjoy it and it was probably when I first made cards to send to friends, hard up student and all that. I had wonderful tutor who helped me overcome my fear of drawing and I can't even remember her name how bad is that!
On the subject of making my own cards to give, for that I was inspired by the great Dave Moutrey who sent me the most lovely etched Christmas card in 1976. I still have it somewhere.
Did do some projects over the years, most of which I would not want to see now, but I started to get more involved again, when I started working full time with Martin after I left teaching, since then I have been the proverbial sponge, you soak up things here and there. I have done workshops that last 30 minutes and three day escapes and treats. I have watched TV and you tube too.

The scientist in me makes me think, what will happen if, as a scientist you use your present knowledge to predict the outcome and then you test that theory.
I did a short workshop with Leandra Franich at a recent trade fair where she suggested a different way of doing Crackle Effect, also done something different with Jo Channon 12 months earlier, so recently sat down with a dozen or so pieces of mount board and trailed variations of their ideas and the method I had been using for about 10 years and worked out the factors that worked for me with the material I use.
I think that is a good illustration of how I work.

I would suggest that is how you all craft, you listen to what others have to say, to try things out and you work out what works for you.