Tori McLean

PRINTMAKER PROFILE

ARTIST STATEMENT

Tori McLean is a printmaker who specialises in fine art printmaking and print design for home textiles, printed wallpaper and fashion. Whether creating works under her own name or undertaking freelance commercial design work, Tori’s unique prints are instantly recognisable for their striking use of lively and vivid colour.

With an inherent love for the printmaking process, Tori believes that meticulously handcrafted and hand-pulled prints are items to be much treasured. She creates the majority of her prints as one offs or small editions as an antidote to mass-market products and the ubiquitous, large edition, Giclée print.
Tori’s creativity and deep sense of curiosity are often sparked by the unexpected results achieved by combining different print processes. At the heart of her methodology is a desire to maintain and develop traditional printmaking skills. Her Winchester based studio is beautifully equipped with a stunning 1908 Albion relief press, Rochat etching press, Mahler screen-print bench and a 3m textile printing bench. These provide Tori with the ability to work across a wide range of printmaking techniques and to print onto specific surface materials including paper, textiles, wood, glass, metal, slate and ceramic.

Since graduating from Winchester School of Art, Tori’s work has been regularly sought for exhibitions, collaborations, commissions and freelance commercial design work. Highlights include print designs for scarves for the British Museum, the Royal Collection shops and David Watson. Substantial commissions have included Arts & Crafts designs for Hampshire Cultural Trust and designing printed tree wraps for a show garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Her contemporary and appealing print designs have won numerous awards, including the International Grand-Prize at DesignNext® (New York), the Purvaai Textiles Award, and the textile category of the B&Q/Elle Decoration British Talent Search. Her commitment to printmaking and skilled craftsmanship won her the prestigious Society of Designer Craftsmen Award 2015 and election as a full member of the Society.

Tori’s prints are held in private collections in the UK, Europe & USA and in the public collection of the Hampshire Cultural Trust. She is co-founding director of Artisans Now! and Colourworkers. When not creating her own fine art prints or printed textiles, Tori’s varied portfolio of designs allows her to work as a freelance textile and surface print designer for the fashion and interior markets.

Tori McLean

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