weloveletterpress Interview with Actus Reus Press

Interview with Lawrence from Actus Reus Press

When did you start letterpress printing?:

at the age of 16 I was admitted to art school, at 17; I became committed to fine art printmaking...

What do you like best about letterpress printing?:

The silence in my mind when I print, & the way that it all comes together to give a powerful voice to the muted...

What inspires you?:

2000ad, Mike McMahon, George Grosz, Franz Masereel, Glasgow Print Studio and the artists that hang around there, Letterpress printers who are passionate (especially those who have never wiped ink off a roller but really want to because they just know deep down that is what they want to do), Steve Parkhouse, Nigel Gurney, The Wayzgoose Press (Mike and Jadwiga), the Anarchists, the malcontents and Kermit the frog...

Which press(es), ink & paper do you usually use?:

Asbern, C&P 7x11, Ronai proofer... Magnani, Shaunycreek (if I ever find any of that paper again), Arches (occasionally when I'm desperate), and there is a 90gsm Canson that I like very much althogh most Canson paper is chalky and horrible...

How would you describe your artwork?:

Socially antagonistic but humane, compassionate and caring none the less...

What kind of products do you create?:

Fine art prints, books, cards, posters...

Do you offer custom work?:

yes

Where can we buy your products?:

http://www.lawrencefinn.com

Do you offer workshops? If yes, what kind of?:

Yes, most workshops are introductions to letterpress concentrating on digital to photopolymer.

Is there anything you wished you had known as a beginner?:

If you fall in love, tell everyone...