Artist Interview: Andrew Campe

The process of the 20 layer  'A Full English Please'  ©AndrewCampe

Andrew Campe is a linocut printmaker based in Maidenhead, specialising in multi-block and reduction colour lino prints. From having a degree in Illustration and enjoying the lino cut module, to receiving a lino set for Christmas, he hasn't looked back since! His work is bold, graphical and colourful, with some pieces having 20 layers!

We had the pleasure of asking Andrew a few questions, delving into his world of graphical lino printing! 

©Andrew Campe

'Lino can be extremely simple and graphical, but equally, very technical, intricate and subtle.... So, I love the different effects you can get through the same medium. '

Andrew Campe

'My advice to somebody that wants to give it a bash.... start with a small and simple design and don't delve into colour too quickly. Get used to carving, rolling and hand burnished. Don't spend a load of money on expensive equipment at first.'

 Andrew Campe

Q:  We love your bold graphical style of lino printing with pops of colour, with the likes of ‘A Full English Please’! Would you be able to detail how you found your style in printing?

Well, my style developed as I gained experience and pushed myself to experiment with different techniques. For a couple of years I was working soley in black and white, but decided to take the plunge into colour printing. I enjoyed using bold colours very much... maybe that's because I had starved myself from using colour for so long! I particularly like adding the final key block/ layer (which is usually black.) This really brings the colours out more, and like you say, makes them 'pop.'

'A Full English Please' ©AndrewCampe

Q: What would you say fascinated you about lino in particular, over other printing methods?

Lino can be extremely simple and graphical, but equally, very technical, intricate and subtle.... So, I love the different effects you can get through the same medium. The smell and feel of linoleum is kind of addictive, in a very odd way! There's a huge satisfaction in the carving process. Its very therapeutic and calming. On the flip side, the printing faze can often be often be a bit stressful... loud four letter words, which you can't print on here, can frequently blurt out of my mouth if things aren't going to plan. Saying that, when it goes well, its such a great buzz and makes all the hard work seem so worth while.

'Dancing In The Light' ©Andrew Campe

Q: What or who is your muse for your prints?

There are so many amazing lino artists I take inspiration from. I suppose, if I had to pick one, it would be Chris Wormell. His work blows me away... I can look it his work for hours. The illustrations he did for Philip Pullam's, His Dark Materials, trilogy are incredible.

Q: Which art materials could you simply not live without?

My Caligo Safe Wash relief inks and durathene roller.

Q: Do you have any advice to artists who have never delved into the lino printing world?

My advice to somebody that wants to give it a bash.... start with a small and simple design and don't delve into colour too quickly. Get used to carving, rolling and hand burnished. Don't spend a load of money on expensive equipment at first, its not needed. If you love it, carry on, if you don't, then find something else you're passionate about.

Q: Could you tell us some fun facts people may not know about you?

Well, I've been very quiet on the printing front over the last year or so as I've bought a house that needs a lot of TLC. I'm currently working on the bathroom, the kitchen is next and then lounge. Eventually I'll get a little studio in the garden where I can do my printing. I'm a bit of a shark geek... Great Whites are my favorite animal. Its a mixture of fear and fascination. Greek islands are my favorite holiday destination. I've just got back from visiting Naxos and Mykanos. I plan to visit a different one each year. I don't have any tattoos at all... but seriously considering having something very specific done. Maybe its the start of my mid life crisis. I had a pony tail from the age of 16 to 18... terrible move, but at the time a thought I looked great.

Q: Thank you so much for your time and knowledge! We would love to know what you are currently working on/ do you have any exciting future plans in the making?

As I've already mentioned, my house refurbishment has taken over my life recently. However, I am getting back into a regular routine of printing in the evenings after my day job. I'm currently working on a reduction print of my house, which should be finished in the next couple of weeks. After that, I have a couple of ideas which I'd like to complete before Christmas.

Real 'Maya' next to Lino 'Maya'

Be sure to follow and find out more about Andrew Campe:
Instagram: @Andrewcampeartwork
Facebook: Andrew Campe Artwork

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