Hayley Burgess
Warwickshire | England
I am fortunate to live and work in a peaceful village near Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire. My rose-covered studio overlooks open fields, wide skies, and a garden filled with birds, butterflies and insects. Being surrounded by nature is a constant source of inspiration and shapes the way I see and experience the world.
For over 15 years I have developed my printmaking practice, inspired by Japanese woodblock prints (Ukiyo-e), particularly the Kachō-e tradition of bird and flower imagery. I work with techniques including Mokulito, a contemporary Japanese wood lithography process, silkscreen, drypoint and linocut.
I often work directly with a brush onto the silkscreen or printing plate, allowing the image to develop naturally through layers of colour and mark-making. I enjoy the balance between planning and spontaneity, capturing something of the feeling, movement and atmosphere of a moment.
Working from a home studio means I often have children and animal guests! I am mindful about my materials, the impact they may have on them and the environment and I strive to use only non-toxic processes. Silkscreen printing is an activity my son and I have always enjoyed doing together. Inspired by this I wanted to develop a more child and environmentally friendly silkscreen medium.
The transparent, watercolour like qualities of the image are achieved using a natural, biodegradable and acrylic-free medium for silkscreen printing that I have researched, developed and produced myself. Combined with fine archival artist pigments, this creates richly coloured inks with a distinctive depth and luminosity.
Papers and pigments are sourced based on their purity and archival qualities. Watercolours, etching and lithography inks are lightfast on the Blue Wool Scale 6-8 (8 being highest).
Re-use and recycle is another key cornerstone. I make my plates from reclaimed wood, recycled plastics and re-used mount board, recycling where possible or re-using them after use.
Through my work, I hope to share quiet moments of connection and invite others to reflect on their own memories and experiences.
