Hayley Anderson, the creative force behind Buff and Blue Prints, is a Scottish printmaker and artist hailing from Lossiemouth in the North East of Scotland. Her journey into the world of printmaking, specifically linocuts, is a testament to self-discovery and a passion for transforming simple materials into captivating art. Let’s delve into her process, inspirations, and what makes her work so unique.
Could you walk us through your printmaking approach?
“I primarily work with linocuts,” Hayley explains, emphasizing her enjoyment of the meticulous preparation involved in this medium. Her creative spark often ignites from a single image, which then evolves through layers of drawing. Interestingly, Hayley often starts carving before finalizing the drawing on the lino itself. “I find that the pieces almost have a mind of their own when I’m in the process, and other elements will start creeping in,” she shares. Rejecting minimalism, her prints are rich in detail, typically incorporating diverse shapes and patterns into each composition, showcasing her distinctive style as a modern Blue Print Maker in spirit, even if her palette varies.
How did you learn the art of printmaking, and where did this journey begin?
Hayley’s path to becoming a skilled printmaker is largely self-directed. Although she was initially introduced to the technique in college two decades ago, she recalls finding it “far too complicated and time-consuming” at the time. It wasn’t until she purchased a beginner’s kit a few years ago that she truly began her printmaking exploration. “Since then, it’s been a case of trial and error, plus obsessively watching other linocut artists process videos to try to pick up tips,” she admits. This dedication to learning and experimentation is ongoing. “I’m still learning and really hope that I never get over the joy of managing to pull off a new technique.” Her story is inspiring for aspiring artists looking to learn blue print maker techniques or any printmaking form independently.
What is it about printmaking that resonates with you?
For Hayley, the appeal of printmaking lies in its tangible nature and the transformative potential of humble materials. “I really enjoy the physical aspect of printmaking and that you can create something wonderful from very little,” she states. The act of carving lino is almost meditative for her, as she witnesses images emerge from small cuts and markings. The anticipation of the first print pull is also a significant part of the allure. “There’s also the added surprise element of pulling that first print, hoping that all the hours of carving have created the image in your head. It’s probably my most favourite part.” This element of surprise and the hands-on process are key to why many are drawn to becoming a blue print maker or exploring similar crafts.
Could you describe your workspace?
Currently, Hayley’s creative hub is her kitchen table in Lossiemouth, often covered in “mountains of different printmaking materials.” She acknowledges being a “very messy worker” but manages to thrive amidst the organized chaos. However, this is set to change. Having returned to University to complete her BA Hons Fine Art at Moray School of Art, she is looking forward to a dedicated studio space. “When I return in September, I will have a dedicated studio space to work from so finally my kitchen will be free of inky equipment for the first time in ages!” This transition marks a significant step in her artistic journey, moving from a home-based setup to a professional studio environment, a dream for many aspiring to be a professional blue print maker or artist.
What does a typical day in your studio look like?
“There really isn’t a typical day,” Hayley admits, highlighting the diverse nature of her work. Alongside her personal print projects and university assignments, she also takes on commissions, crafting brand stamps and printed bags for various businesses. Her client portfolio includes “amazing independent businesses” ranging from a Welsh candle company to an Australian skincare brand and a Scottish cashmere bedding firm. Adding another dimension to her artistic practice, Hayley also teaches Lino Printing workshops locally. “It’s a joy to watch people create their very first prints and I’m always amazed by the gorgeous results.” This blend of personal projects, commercial work, and teaching ensures that “it never really feels like work,” keeping each day varied and engaging for this versatile blue print maker.
How long have you been dedicated to printmaking?
Hayley’s printmaking journey officially began about four years ago when she acquired her first kit and started experimenting. Her initial attempts, she recalls, were “really terrible!” “My very first stamp was a tiny cactus that was barely recognisable and took around 10 minutes to do.” Comparing this to her recent month-long project, she acknowledges significant progress in both “patience and technique.” For Hayley, printmaking is a testament to the power of practice. “Like anything else, printmaking is all about practice and it’s lovely to look back on how far I’ve come.” This evolution from beginner to accomplished artist underscores the importance of perseverance for anyone interested in becoming a blue print maker or mastering any artistic skill.
What are your primary sources of inspiration?
Nature, particularly botanical forms, is a significant muse for Hayley. She playfully mentions having “around 19,000 photos on my phone which are mostly of leaves and trees!” Plants and foliage are recurring motifs in her work. Recently, she has expanded her artistic horizons to include figures, inspired by online life drawing classes. Portraiture, however, presents a welcome challenge. “I’m not a confident portraiture artist so it’s been a massive challenge to create faces that I’m happy with.” She actively seeks inspiration from other artists, “always scrolling through Instagram to look at how other artists create shading on lino portraits.” This blend of nature-inspired themes and human figures enriches her portfolio as a contemporary blue print maker.
Do you have a favorite printmaking product?
For Hayley, switching to Cranfield’s Caligo Safe Wash inks was a pivotal moment. “Changing over to Cranfield’s Caligo Safe Wash inks was a game-changer for me.” Prior to this, she struggled with water-based inks to achieve satisfactory print quality. Since the switch, she notes a “vastly improved” quality in her work. She also expresses admiration for their metallic inks, describing them as “a dream too and give gorgeous results.” High-quality materials like these are essential tools for any serious blue print maker striving for professional results.
Which piece are you most proud of creating?
Hayley identifies her recent work, “The Forest Queen,” as her proudest achievement. This piece represented a significant leap in scale and style. At 76 x 76cm, it is “more than 4 times bigger than anything else I’ve done.” The creation of “The Forest Queen” involved extensive research, drawing inspiration from diverse sources, including a 1930s stage production of Midsummer’s Night’s Dream for the crown and George MacDonald’s Phantaste for the background trees. She aimed to emulate the style of classic botanists for the foliage and create depth, a departure from her previous two-dimensional compositions. This ambitious project showcases her growth as a blue print maker and her dedication to pushing creative boundaries.
Where can people view and purchase your artwork?
Hayley actively uses social media to showcase her work and connect with her audience. “I post regular updates on my Instagram and Facebook and show what I’m working on.” She enjoys sharing time-lapse videos to offer a glimpse into her creative process. Her prints and linens are available for purchase through her website. These online platforms are crucial for contemporary artists like Hayley to reach a wider audience and for those interested in acquiring unique pieces from a talented blue print maker.
What can we anticipate seeing from you in the future?
Currently, Hayley is working on a portrait of Hedy LaMarr, celebrating not only her movie star status but also her invention of frequency-hopping technology. She is challenging herself to create pieces with “more fine detail” before returning to university. With meeting restrictions easing, she also hopes to resume local Lino Printing classes. “I’ve really missed getting out and meeting new people.” Her future endeavors promise a continued exploration of detailed linocut techniques and a renewed engagement with her local artistic community, solidifying her presence as a dynamic and evolving blue print maker.
Do you have any advice for aspiring printmakers and fellow creatives?
Hayley’s advice is both encouraging and practical: “Embrace your own style and don’t compare yourself to others.” She emphasizes a positive approach to the creative process, viewing perceived mistakes as opportunities for growth. “There are no mistakes in your work only the chance to change it for the better and enjoy the process.” This mindset is invaluable for anyone embarking on a creative journey, whether as a blue print maker or in any other artistic field.
To see more of Hayley’s captivating prints and follow her artistic journey, connect with her on Instagram.
