Merlyn Chesterman

Merlyn Chesterman is a woodblock printmaker. She trained in Fine Art at Bath Academy of Art. She has a Dip Ed and has taught at West Dean since 2005. Merlyn has a studio in North Devon, and her woodcuts are exhibited worldwide.

She is a Senior Fellow of the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers, and in 2014 set up Pine Feroda, a group of 4 printmakers who work collaboratively to produce large-scale woodcuts. Merlyn has recently completed residencies in Hangzhou China, Hong Kong and Sweden, and is co-author of the book 'Making Woodblock Prints', published by Crowood Press.

How would you describe your approach to teaching?

I encourage play and risk-taking, and at the same time support individual interests and ways of working. Results are quick, powerful and often surprising.

What inspires your own work?

My woodcuts are made as a result of a strong emotion I have had in connection with the natural world. They may be about the wind, the cold, fear, amazement or delight.

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