I am still one of the very few young wood engravers in the UK and, over the past year, my work has been picking up momentum, with more people finding my work and requesting commissions but also the speed at which my work is becoming more refined and detailed. I have been lucky enough to have been part of the Wirksworth Arts Trail three times before. Each were a success, having been looked after by brilliant, welcoming hosts! I love to demonstrate the process, either engraving or printing using my portable press and talking to those interested in the technique.
2024
Ellie Cliftlands
Artist Statement
A wood engraving of ‘Snowshill Manor’ (11 x 10cms) Snowshill Manor, Gloucestershire, is a typical Cotswold house; the main part of the house dates from the 16th century and it is home to one of the National Trust’s finest gardens. This print is a view of the famous Well Court.
A wood engraving of ‘Wollerton Old Hall’ (9.5 x 7cms) Wollerton Old Hall, is a beautiful, award-winning, privately-owned garden in north Shropshire. Each garden room is richly planted with perennials and bursting with design ideas; every turn is a stunning view to inspire the artist.
Private Commission, 2023. (c11 x 13cm) This piece was a result of an article about my work in The English Garden magazine in 2023. The owner of this wonderful private garden in Kent had seen the feature and commissioned this one-off engraving of this favourite scene.
A wood engraving of Woodland Floor (30 x 9cm) The Royal Horticultural Society garden at Harlow Carr near Harrogate is a constant inspiration to a wood engraver. On this occasion the fungi were irresistible! This trio won the First TIme Exhibitor’s Award of the Society of Wood Engravers.