Visual Poetic Monotypes

A creative workshop exploring poetry, inner landscapes and expressive printmaking

Date: Thursday 4 February 2027
Time: 10am - 2pm

Bring a favourite poem and spend a morning translating its words, feelings and imagery into expressive monotype prints.

In this relaxed, experimental workshop, we’ll explore the connection between poetry, inner landscapes and printmaking, using a favourite poem as a starting point for a series of expressive monotype prints.

You might respond to a particular image, a feeling, a memory, a landscape or simply the rhythm and atmosphere of the words.

Rather than illustrating the poem literally, we’ll explore ways of responding to it through colour, texture, shape, gesture and mark-making.

No previous printmaking or drawing experience is needed. This is an opportunity to slow down, experiment and discover what happens when words become visual.

Image: Original Monotype Print by Hannah Cantellow, inspired by Paul Muldoon's poem 'An Old Pit Pony.

BRING A POEM, CREATE A VISUAL ONE

Choose a poem that means something to you.

It could be a poem you’ve loved for years, something you’ve recently discovered, a few lines from a favourite poet, or even something you’ve written yourself.

Your poem might evoke a particular place or an imagined one. Perhaps it brings to mind a season, a memory, a journey, a feeling or a colour.

We’ll use these responses as starting points for making.

You don’t need to be able to explain why you’ve chosen your poem. Sometimes the most interesting creative work begins with simply noticing what catches your attention.

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EXPRESSIVE MONOTYPE PRINTING

Monotype is an immediate form of printmaking, each print is unique, and the process allows plenty of space for experimentation and new ideas to take place.

Using inks, rollers, brushes, stencils, textures and mark-making tools, we’ll build up atmospheric prints inspired by your chosen poem.

We’ll explore how a poem can be suggested and felt, rather than described.

You’ll be encouraged to work intuitively and respond to the poem as you make.

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FROM WORDS TO PRINT

Throughout the workshop, I’ll guide you through a range of monotype techniques and encourage you to develop a series of connected prints.

We’ll explore:

• Finding visual starting points within your chosen poem
• Translating words, feelings and imagery into marks
• Creating expressive compositions
• Using colour and texture to suggest atmosphere
• Rolling, painting and wiping ink
• Working with stencils and found textures
• Layering and manipulating marks
• Printing by hand and using the etching press
• Experimenting with repetition and variation
• Developing a series rather than a single finished image

There’s no expectation that your prints will literally illustrate the poem.

Instead, we’ll explore what the poem makes you see, feel, remember or imagine.

A MORNING OF WORDS, INK & IMAGINATION

Join me to bring together two creative languages, the written word and the printed mark.

The workshop will be relaxed and exploratory, with short demonstrations and plenty of time to experiment.

You’ll have space to work quietly and intuitively, as well as opportunities to share ideas and discoveries with the group.

I’ll be on hand throughout the morning to help you experiment, develop your ideas and find your own way into the process.

You don’t need to arrive with a clear plan.

Bring a poem. See where it takes you.

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CREATE A SERIES OF POETIC PRINTS

Rather than focusing on one perfect print, we’ll work towards a small series of monotypes.

As you experiment, you may find recurring colours, shapes, textures or marks emerging from your responses to the poem.

One print might suggest the next.

A mistake might become the most interesting part.

A simple mark might suddenly feel like a new landscape.

By working in a series, you’ll have the freedom to explore and discover without worrying about getting everything right first time.

What you’ll take home

You’ll leave with a collection of expressive monotype prints inspired by your chosen poem, along with new ideas and techniques to continue exploring monotype at home.

Your prints might stand alone, form a sequence, or become the beginning of a larger body of work.

You’ll also have experienced the joy of allowing words to lead somewhere unexpected.

What to bring

Please bring:

• A favourite poem - printed out or in a format you can easily refer to
• A small sketchbook
• Any personal photographs or images that connect with your poem, if you wish
• An apron or clothes you don’t mind getting inky
• A folder or portfolio to carry your prints home safely

All specialist printmaking materials and equipment are provided.

A CREATIVE PAUSE IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER

There’s no need to be an artist, poet or experienced printmaker.

Just bring a poem you love and an openness to seeing it differently.

Come and discover what happens when a poem becomes a print.

Important information:

• Suitable for: Beginners and those with some printmaking experience
• You’ll need: A sketchbook, an apron or old clothes, and a favourite poem
• Materials: Specialist printmaking materials and equipment will be provided
• Studio: Inside The Mind Tree, Marsh Lane, Furlong Close, Rowde, Devizes, SN10 2NG
• Refreshments: Tea, coffee and biscuits are always provided
• The café is only serving on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
• Free Parking: available nearby, and the venue is fully accessible.
• If you have any specific needs, just let me know.

Book your place and make space for colour and creativity.

If you have any questions about this course, please get in touch.

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Cancellation Policy:

I understand that plans can change. To keep the course viable and cover my time, preparation and materials involved in running the workshop, 30% of the total booking fee is non-refundable.

If you need to cancel

• More than 14 days before the course: 70% of your booking fee will be refunded. The remaining 30% is non-refundable.
• 14 days or less before the course: The booking fee is non-refundable, unless your place can be filled by someone on the waiting list.
• If you are unable to attend: I’m unable to offer refunds or reductions for missed sessions.

If you’re unable to attend, you’re welcome to transfer your place to another person, provided you let me know in advance

If the course is cancelled

If I need to cancel the course, you will receive a full refund of your booking fee.

I will always do my best to make the process as straightforward and fair as possible. If something unexpected comes up, please get in touch.