CARL MARCH Artist Etchings
Born in Solihull in 1959, studied at Solihull College of Art, this was followed by two years intensive study in Milan under master printmaker Olivero Masi, concentrating mainly on the etching process.
After returning to England he originally set up his own etching workshop in Solihull, producing and promoting his work under the name of Capelli Printmaking Studio.
His etchings are often characterised with a crayon like texture known as 'soft-ground'. This delicate technique combined with other etching processes help create a distinctive subtlety throughout his work.
Elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, he has established a reputation among contemporary printmakers. His work is widely represented in many public and private collections both nationally and internationally. He has also undertaken many commissions which include a piece presented to HRH Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace.
Artist Statement
From an early age I have always preferred to draw rather than paint. This maybe why I enjoy making original prints, in particular etchings and engravings, because they are very much a drawing based medium. Like many artists my interests and influences are wide and varied. However, I am attracted to anything that shows good design and draughtsmanship. I am inspired by figurative subject matter for many reasons. For me it is always different, always new and challenging, and for artists this is so important.
I enjoy experimenting with various drawing media, such as soft pencils, crayons, bamboo pens and brushes to try and achieve a spontaneous feel or a loose quality to some of my images. My working methods follow the familiar path of preliminary sketches directly from life, accompanied by endless scrutiny and corrections until I am happy. I repeat this over and over before starting the 'plate making' process.
Original etchings are not photographic reproductions, and have long been a favourite method of expression for many artists. They involve the controlled erosion of a copper plate using acid to achieve the desired effect. The etched plate is then inked and printed by hand, using heavy pressure from a roller press. Because of this individual method of hand printing, each separate image is slightly different from the next, making each print original and unique. When the edition is completed, the plate or plates are then cancelled or destroyed ensuing strict limitation.
Unlike traditional painting techniques, the 'platemaking' process has many unpredictable stages of production before the final image can be viewed. Right up to the last moment, printmakers are always working with their fingers crossed, because we are never entirely confident as to how the finished plate will finally print! This can be very frustrating, but also very rewarding especially when your efforts meet your expectations and everything works well.
Exhibitions
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 1984, 85, 87, 93, 94, 99 and 2005
Royal West of England Academy 1986, 2000, 2001
Zella Gallery, South Kensington, London 1983, 1984
Gabor Gallery, Toronto, Canada, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1989
Solihull Art Gallery 1983, 1984
Helios Pictures, Birmingham 1985
Montpellier Gallery 1990, 2001
The Botanical Gardens, Edgebaston 1991, 1992, 1999
El Bujio, Merida, Extremadura, Espana 2003
Commissions
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council presented to Princess Anne 1985
Lings Greetings Cards and Stationery 1986, 1988
The Independent Newspaper 1990, 1991
The Rural Development Commission 1991
Country Living Magazine 1991
Acco-Rexel Limited 1992
Art of Glass, Earlswood, Solihull 1995, 97
