Following a career in university lecturing, John began his printmaking practice in 2014. While his early work used photo-etching, he now works with traditional intaglio techniques using brass and copper plates. He employs multiple layers of aquatint, sugar lift, and a wide range of resists to build texture and depth.
For several years, John has worked exclusively with spit-bite, painting acid and resists directly onto his plates rather than using a traditional acid bath. This method allows for a freer approach, resulting in the subtle, atmospheric effects that characterise his work. John’s work explores the tension between realism and impressionism and the balance of control and unpredictability in the etching process. Inspired by the built and natural environments of Edinburgh and the wider Scottish landscape, his work aims to capture something of the atmosphere of his chosen locations.
John is a member of Edinburgh Printmakers, Northern Print and Printmakers of Scotland.