About Sarah

In 2023, I volunteered as an assistant for Judith Stroud, who was running a class at Swansea Print Workshop for the mini print project. This experience introduced me to her unique printing techniques and beautiful artwork, and sparked a passion for printmaking.

I’m originally from a small fishing village in West Wales but moved away for a career in digital design, where I have, for many years (over twenty!), created interfaces, interactive games, animated music videos, and illustrated storybooks for clients including Hello Kitty, Google, the BBC, Adidas, Aardman, and the NHS. You can see more of my digital work here: www.sarahdefriend.com

I continue to work in digital design today, and channel these skills into my new printmaking practice.

My prints have been exhibited in galleries throughout Wales, and I’m honoured to have my work held in the National Library of Wales as part of the Miners Project.

Please get in touch for projects or to inquire about purchasing my prints:

info@sarahdefriend.com

I regularly post my printing process videos and latest designs on Instagram

My printing technique

All of my prints are original artworks, created using traditional linocut techniques. Each piece is hand-carved, inked, and printed by me using a baren or printing press, so every print is truly one of a kind.

Below is an overview of my process and the materials I use:

  • Sarah Defriend Sketches

    Sketch designs

    With pen and paper, I sketch up rough ideas and refine them with pencil until I'm satisfied with the design. I use Japanese Vinyl (lino), and I'll draw the design directly onto the surface using a sharpie or transfer the design with red carbon paper.

  • Sarah Defriend Lino carving

    Lino carving

    Then it's ready for carving! This is my favourite part, and I use a range of Pfeil ‘U’ and ‘V’ shaped sharp carving tools. I’ll follow the design outlines to cut into the vinyl at different depths to create textures and shapes that form the designs.

  • Sarah Defriend Printing

    Printing

    Once I’m happy with the carving, I apply Cranfield ink to the vinyl block, then carefully lay the paper on top. To transfer the image, I either hand burnish the surface using a baren or use a press, I often use this stunning 1853 Columbian Relief Press at the Swansea Print Workshop.