Intaglio Printmaker Prize Winner: Linda Kosciewicz

Please could you tell us a bit more about the inspiration behind the work? 

I have been working on ideas about peoples relationship to nature for some time and focussing on the interplay between conservation, control and usage of nature. The location is Kinnordy Loch, Scotland, a wonderful RSPB reserve visited by rare bird species and people! I volunteer with a local community group – Sustainable Kirriemuir, an environmental charity who are involved in a range of projects aiming to support nature to flourish and increase the sustainability of Kirriemuir. My print- Still Life with Eve and Diana – refers to the role of women and nature over history. Over centuries mythological women have represented nature in stories and religions, with all the positive and negative connotations embedded in this association. Here in this still life at Kinnordy Loch, the
first woman Eve and the goddess of the wilderness and the hunt, Diana, both “mythological” figures have a conversation about changing the current trajectory of the decline of nature. They represent the need for people to become advocates for all living things, and give nature a voice.

What made you get into printmaking? 

My first experience of printmaking was as a student at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art where I was studying painting. Printmaking was my secondary subject and seemed a natural extension of drawing and painting where my ideas could be transferred and developed through the medium of print.

 Tell us about your other works – are they similar or different? Do you tend to work within one technique?

My other works are similar, I start with drawings and photographs and develop ideas further digitally. At present I work in polymer photogravure and monoprint, often in two plate prints and inking up creatively using inks à la poupee. I enjoy the delicacy of polymer gravure etching which has a depth and vibrancy and quality. I like to know that my prints are created with high quality materials which will last for centuries and are not throwaway.

What would be on your ultimate Intaglio Printmaker wish list?

The Intaglio etching press
Lots of large KM73 plates to experiment with
Awagami Editioning Papers
Hahnemuhle etching natural paper
Intaglio and Charbonnel etching inks

If you could own one artwork, what would it be?

Primavera by Botticelli