Gillian Swaile

Gillian Swaile

Gillian Swaile is a self taught printmaker living in Northumberland National Park, close to the Scottish border. In her studio at home, she hand carves traditional linoleum, producing linocut prints. 

I am originally from Carnoustie in Angus, but moved to Northumberland with my husband in 2003. I enjoyed art from an early age and all through school, but couldn’t pursue it as a career back then.  For 25 years I worked in a variety of roles within the veterinary sector, before realising I needed a complete change of direction. I decided to follow my heart and become a self taught, self employed, printmaker. I enjoy different forms of printmaking, but I predominantly produce linocut prints. I work with traditional hessian backed linoleum and hand tools, called gouges, to carve designs onto the lino. I apply oil based ink onto the carved surface with a roller, the final image being made by the uncarved, raised areas (relief print). I work from a small studio at home and am also a studio member of Northern Print in Newcastle.
I am lucky enough to live rurally, in a designated dark skies area. My work is inspired by the celestial bodies above me, and the ample wildlife that surrounds me. I am particularly interested in the hare, and the folklore that surrounds it. I was asked to illustrate a book of short stories, “Rain Hare”, by the author Anna Barker, which was published in 2022. I participate in member exhibitions at Northern Print, and recently had my first solo exhibition, “Lepus - A Printmaker’s Celebration of the Hare”, at Allendale Forge in Northumberland. 

You can find out more about Gillian on her website and instagram