This month we’re focusing on Kirstie Williams, a local printmaker and textile artist who runs workshops at Chirpy.

Here’s a little interview we did with Kirstie.

Tell me a little bit about yourself and what you do?

I'm a printmaker and textile artist working primarily with traditional print techniques. I'm inspired by 1950s textiles and surface pattern and use lots of geometric patterns in my work.

I work as Print Studio Coordinator at The Art House in Wakefield and am a founder member of Leeds Print Workshop.

How did you start doing what you’re doing?

I discovered a love for printmaking whilst doing an Art Foundation course at Suffolk College in 2004!

I then went on to do a degree and an MA in Textile Design where I focussed on screen printing, natural dyeing and mixed media textiles.

I moved up to Leeds in 2011 when I took a job at Leeds Arts University as a Print Technician, where I learnt lots of different skills in printmaking and bookbinding.

Since then I've been working freelance, running workshops in the community and supporting members in Wakefield and Leeds Print Studios!

What’s the best thing about running workshops?

I love sharing the skills I've learnt, and when someone has that 'wow' moment when they discover a new process.

It's great being able to support other people to be creative and that gives me lots of inspiration too.

What’s the favourite thing you’ve designed?

I love my screen printed and handmade concertina books. They make great display books and I've kept my natural dye samples in them too!

Is there a craft you’d like to try which you never have?

I've never been very good at knitting - only being able to create something basic but I'd love to develop this further and learn some more interesting stitches!

 What advice would you give to someone who wants to try something new?

Go for it! You might be pleasantly surprised but the outcome!

Join Kirstie at Chirpy for her Book Binding workshop on 8th October

She’s also running a Lino Cut Christmas Card workshop on 3rd December