Featured artist: Jacki Baxter

Jacki uses traditional printmaking techniques, including cut and etched lino, combined with handmade stencils to produce the distinctive colours, patterns and textures of her work. She places objects, flowers and ephemera in abstract spaces, using colour to enhance the shapes and overall composition of her layered prints.

"Jug Wobble", etched lino by Jacki Baxter

You often use vivid colours and dramatic shapes in your prints. What role does colour play in your work?

I like the abstraction of objects in spaces and I use colour to enhance them.

Colour is very important to the work, as is the placement of the subject matter.

I usually make very small editions of my work when they have a plate element to them, such as lino. If not, I make variable editions to maintain the spontaneity of the print.

"Adrift", monotype by Jacki Baxter

What are some of your influences?

After visiting Barbara Hepworth’s studio in St Ives, I noticed a glass jug on the mantlepiece that had survived the fire. It was a beautiful shape and made smokey grey by the fire. This jug then became a very important emblem in my work.

Some of my other influences include Chardin, William Scott and William Nicholson.

"Equilibrium", linocut by Jacki Baxter

How has your previous career influenced your work as an artist?

I worked as a food stylist for photography before my career as an artist. Arranging props on a table and creating the food is not unlike composing a print. Both use shapes, form and colour, and the negative spaces. Sometimes it can be likened to creating a landscape. The still life ideal of a world within a world contained within the framework, looking in.

"Byzantine Beauty II", reduction linocut by Jacki Baxter

"These Colours, These Shapes", reduction linocut by Jacki Baxter

Jacki's featured artist exhibition runs until May 31 and her beautiful prints are available in the gallery and in our online shop all year round. For more information, see her artist's page and her Instagram @jacki_baxter.