New Prints - Steve Vicary

‘Newport - New Prints’

Currently showing at The Coachman’s House Gallery, 2c New Street, Newport, is a small exhibition of selected sepia etchings by the Shrewsbury based artists Steve Vicary.

This new show features some cartoon etchings by Stephen from his Nursery Rhyme series. The small edition of eight specially produced sepia prints feature all the favourite images from ‘Humpty Dumpty’ to ‘Polly put the kettle on.’ They where initially experiments in testing out some new water based etching inks, which developed into several monochrome print series, framed to give them an old fashion look.

“I have always drawn cartoons, usually as a fast way of getting an idea down and developing it quickly. This series of familiar children’s images came about after seeing Paula Regos Nursery Rhyme series, many years ago at Lancaster University’s Scott Gallery. It has been stewing in my head ever since. I was impressed as to how powerful and disturbing a simple familiar image could be. Influenced by illustrators like Quentin Blake and Babette Cole, these pictures are meant to be playful, and cheeky and a lot more gentle.”

Although known more for his dramatic large-scale colourful abstracts, Stephen has been working more recently with various printmaking methods to create smaller more intimate pictures. The Coachman’s Gallery exhibition is an example of his versatility. Further examples of his recent print work can also be seen at Sandford Gallery in Church Stretton.

Stephen has also produced cartoons for the Shropshire Wildlife Trust Newsletter, Shrewsbury Cartoon Festival Banners, exhibition posters and giant cartoon drawings for Tanners in Shrewsbury.

This new edition of prints at The Coachman’s House Gallery can be seen throughout September and October with framed and loose prints available. More work and information can be found via the websites www.stevevicary.co.uk or www.sandfordgallery.co.uk

The Gallery is open Thursday 10 - 12, Friday and Saturday - 10am to 4pm. 2c, New Street, Newport. Find them on at the free car park behind the music shop. Telephone 01952 813 316 www.stevevicary.co.uk