Jane uses hand-printed papers to create unique colourful collages of northern towns and villages, full of quirky and unexpected detail. She’s an enthusiastic observer of urban life, a student of local history, and bases many of her compositions on outdoor sketching expeditions where half the fun is chatting with the locals about people and places. She also paints in oils and acrylics and enjoys communicating her enthusiasm to new artists.
Describe what you will be demonstrating at the event
I will demonstrate how I make collage papers with Gelli printing. Gelli printing is a technique in which you use a clear gelatinous plate – commercially available or home-made – with acrylic paint to produce monoprints without a printing press. These may be either works of art in themselves, or used as a basis for collage or mixed media. Visitors will be welcome to try the technique for themselves – they will be able to play with all the different techniques used for mark-making and layering with the Gelli plate. For example, prints can be made with leaves and flowers, household objects, or simple stencils. Children are welcome to try – it’s very easy and non-toxic, and everyone who tries will be Leek Open Studios – Meet the Maker 2026 / Jane Fraser / 2 able to take their print home. I’ve done this successfully at previous Leek open studios – I only need a corner of my table and there’s no need tor a formal taster session – people can just watch a demo or have a go and they can get a lovely print to take home print in a couple of minutes.
