Merlyn Chesterman

I encourage students to work on their individual interests, and aim to give them the skills they need to be able to do this, supporting them to be able to produce a successful woodcut.I want the students to leave West Dean happy and enthusiastic to continue printmaking, and with the knowledge they need to be able to carry on at home. They will learn the fundamentals of relief printmaking and tool sharpening on the weekend courses, and in addition, on the longer courses,the qualities of different wood, ways of expression, registering blocks, use and the grading of colour, how to make a print alive.

After an introduction into woodblock printmaking, each student will interpret this in his or her own way,which leads to a great interaction between students, and learning from eachother as well as from me.Much is possible - I am the facilitator!

I am inspired by the moods around me - autumn, wind,the ocean, for example, or if I am travelling, poverty, Asian colour combinations, open space, wilderness..

In my studio in Hartland, North Devon, at the Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Bovy Tracey and on my website. I am currently part of touring show for Society of Wood Engravers

Studied Fine Art at Bath Academy of Art, Corsham, under Adrian Heath and Howard Hodgkin B.A upper class honours) Diploma in Education from Bath University Printmaking at Poole Printmakers and West Dean College, with Carol and Colin Walklin

I work as an art specialist with pupils out of school, for Devon County Council, and run printmaking workshops around the UK, and have taught workshops in the US. I have taught short courses at West Dean for 5 years.

Dorje of Bhutan Lord Wilson of Tillyorn Simon and Caroline Bowes Lyon, Lord Lietenant of Herefordshire

Illustrated 12 Short Walks, OUP

Devon Guild of Craftsmen