ROBIN SMART

With over 3 decades of experience, I work closely with artists, helping them explore and realise their creative print ambitions and expertly producing their finished print editions.

A collaborative printmaker is a supportive guide to the artist through the complexities and technicalities of the print process.

By remaining responsive to the artist’s needs and handling the technical considerations, I allow the artist to focus their energies primarily on the creative concerns of their project.

I completed my degree in printmaking in 1991, and then I studied plate and stone lithography at the renowned Tamarind Institute in Albuquerque, USA. Tamarind is a unique and highly specialised institute that teaches selected students the intricacies of collaborative fine art lithography. Each year, newly accredited Tamarind Printers graduate and go on to develop and establish their professional practice within print workshops around the world.

When I returned to the UK, I joined the Royal College of Art Printmaking Department in 1995 as a specialist lithography technician. Over the next 24 years, I was fortunate enough to be able to assist and support the art practices of hundreds of post-graduate students, as well as collaborating on and printing artist’s editions and publications, including works by Terry Frost, Paula Rego, Tracey Emin, Norman Ackroyd, and Joe Tilson.

I often work with artists with little or no printmaking experience and who may not normally work collaboratively. Artists may face new challenges and materials. Both printer and artist have to be flexible and willing. This allows for creativity and experimentation, and for the artist to push the boundaries of their image-making and working practices.

Since establishing my workshop in 2019, I have worked on print projects with artists including DoHo Suh, Cathie Pilkington, Jadé Fadojutimi, Vivienne Westwood Foundation, Eileen Cooper, Alison Wilding, Oona Grimes, and many others.