"As part of my Fine Art degree, recently completed in Shetland through the University of Highlands and Islands, I began to explore collagraph printing.
Collagraph printing is a form of printing where collage is used to create a printing plate. Among the materials I have used are wallpaper, string, glue, Sellotape, sand, fabric, millet and red lentils.
The print is inked up using oil paint, cleaned in areas and then put through a printing press. The prints are then worked into with pencil, pen, acrylic paint, gold and silver foil. This style of printing is unpredictable and every print created is unique.
It was thanks to a VACMA bursary from Shetland Arts and Creative Scotland that enabled me to purchase the small etching press and supporting equipment which has allowed me to continue my exploration into this printing technique beyond college.
These prints are a result of this continued exploration and learning.
The images are all inspired by my personal experiences with Shetland Nature and have all appeared in my large acrylic paintings My Life in (currently) 38 Self Portraits.
Alongside my art explorations, I work as a part-time secondary teacher and am a Coastguard volunteer."
Instagram: @yolandabruce.art
