Exploring the Art of Printmaking with Anupa Gardner

After studying graphic design at Srishti School of Art, Design and Technology in India, Anupa Gardner moved to Scotland in the early 2000s. In 2008, she graduated with an MA in Visual Communication from Edinburgh College of Art. Today she works across relief, screenprinting, and intaglio and is drawn particularly to the physicality of relief printmaking. For Anupa, carving, inking, and printing become a slow, reflective process. Rather than imposing a fixed outcome, she embraces the unexpected, trusting the process to reveal the final work.

In this exclusive feature, Anupa reflects on her journey with printmaking, sharing insights into her evolving practice, her relationship with materials, and the ideas that continue to shape her work…

‘I was first introduced to printmaking during my foundation years in art and have since been using it in some form or another. I was initially drawn to it because of the graphic quality that you instantly get with a print, but also because of the simple joy of creating an image that tells a story.

I work across a range of traditional printmaking techniques, but relief is my favourite, especially working with wood.

I enjoy the tactile nature of the process and the physical connection I have with the material. I like the fact that I can feel the block as I am carving the wood. For me, printmaking is a meditative practice that encourages me to slow down, allow for mistakes, and become fully immersed in the process. The repetitive and labour-intensive act of carving feels cathartic, and I appreciate the time it gives me to reflect and process ideas.’

‘I often use the reduction printing process, building images gradually and intuitively. Rather than working towards a fixed outcome, I respond to each layer, colour, and stage of printing as it develops. The image evolves naturally, becoming something of its own while still remaining connected to the original idea.

Earlier in my practice, I focused heavily on composition and structure. Over time, I have embraced a looser and more intuitive approach, allowing room for mistakes and unexpected outcomes. This shift has also encouraged me to work on a larger scale. Colour has always been important in my work, but I did not fully explore its potential in my printmaking until more recently. By loosening up my process, I have become more confident and instinctive in my use of colour and layering. I have learned to trust my instincts and take more chances. What’s really nice is the unexpected surprises that happen along the way. Sometimes they pay off and other times they don’t, but I just accept that as part of the process and move forward.’

‘My work often returns to the relationship between people, nature, and familiar spaces we inhabit. I need to feel emotionally connected to what I am creating, as that connection helps me stay focused and engaged. I am interested in how these elements interact and how everyday places can hold personal meaning and emotion.

My inspiration usually comes from being immersed in a particular moment, place, or feeling. Through loose and expressive mark-making, I try to capture the energy and spontaneity of these experiences. I then balance this with more controlled and refined areas, creating a contrast between instinct and intention.’

This year, The Biscuit Factory is celebrating the breadth and versatility of printmaking through a programme of exhibitions and workshops. In September, the gallery will welcome Lino North, a landmark exhibition of linocut printmaking featuring leading printmakers from Scotland, Wales and the North of England. Running from 11th September to 26th November 2026, the exhibition explores the expressive medium of linocut, through the work of 16 printmakers.

If Anupa has inspired you to try printmaking yourself, The Biscuit Factory also offers a programme of hands-on workshops, ideal for beginners or improvers. Upcoming printmaking sessions include Linocut Printmaking for Beginners with Rosanna Reade on Friday 25th September, Pet Portraits Linocut with Kate Miller on Saturday 24th October, and Introduction to Wood Engraving with Masha Tiplady on Sunday 8th November 2026.

View Anupa’s collection online or visit the Gallery.