SPECIAL EVENT

Andrew Baldwin Presents: The Big Journey; Non-toxic Printmaking

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Friday, March 28, 2025

6:00 to 7:30 pm

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This event is free, however, we request that you RSVP to msabaldwin2025@gmail.com

 

 

 

This talk will focus on the development of a unique safer etching process. In the early 2000s a non-toxic approach to printmaking was seen by most artists as a marginal endeavour used by those who were willing to sacrifice quality for safety. The majority of printmakers were not willing to embrace the new safer processes on the assumption that the materials and processes were inferior.  It was with this knowledge  that Mr. Baldwin began his journey towards developing a safer etching process. The foundation of this safer method is based around ‘BIG’; an etching ground which does not contain the toxic elements of a traditional ground. The talk will explain how, after the initial development of the ground, associated processes such as aquatint, soft ground and coffeelift were also developed to further increase not only safety but versatility within the etching process. The talk will show examples of work produced using icing sugar, baking soda, sandpaper, instant coffee and more. It will show prints produced in ways that have expanded the potential directions and effects that can be achieved in etching. It will demonstrate that printmakers can not only work more safely but also in more varied ways. It will reveal that safer does not mean inferior.

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Andrew Baldwin started his career in 1976 working for 10 years in a small family commercial printing business where he was educated in the use of reprographics, letter press and litho. In 1986 he joined the staff of Aberystwyth University School of Art as senior technician. In 2001 he achieved 1st class degree in fine art followed by a PGCTHE where he was awarded an excellence in teaching award. As a tutor Andrew has been teaching printmaking for over 25 years and has travelled the world teaching and promoting safer printmaking techniques. He has attained several awards for his own printmaking, most notably Most Exceptional Artist at by the Federation of British Artists and the printmaking section of Welsh Artist of the Year. Andrew also runs his own Printmaking Studio ‘Trefeglwys Printmakers’ where he teaches non-toxic printmaking to guests from around the world. His etching ground BIG is now used by printmakers internationally.

 

Aberystwyth University School of Art Tutor and Owner of Trefeglwys Printmakers atb@aber.ac.uk

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