Lesley Birch began her artistic career in Cambridge, initially learning printmaking at The Curwen Studios where she was immediately drawn to the possibilities of this medium.  Gaining an M.A. in English Literature in the 1980s, the Romantic and Metaphysical poets continue to be a source of inspiration for Lesley's work.  In particular, monoprinting is her favoured medium, contributing to her love of atmospheric, lively, gestural marks. In 2008 she set up and launched Harrogate Printmakers, with artist colleagues, aiming to bring printmaking to a wider public. She is a member of the Leeds Fine Art Club, Visual Arts Scotland, Printmaking Online and the Leeds-based Something Visual Group of Artists.

Awards

Highly Commended (Harrogate Open 2008, The Mercer Gallery)

Derwent Award winner, Patchings Competition 2008 (sponsored by The Artist Magazine)

Satellite Group Prize, Leeds Art Fair 2009 (with the Something Visual Group of Artists)

Art Demonstrations:  Lesley offers art talks, demonstrations and workshops. For further information e-mail info@lesleybirch.co.uk. Mixed Media Techniques demo and workshop with Lesley Birch at Alwoodley Art Club, Leeds, Sept 2009; Horsforth Art Society, Leeds, May 2010.  Art Talk and Demo at St Peter's School, York, May 2010; Leven Art Society, Stokesley, February 2011.

Artist Statement

"I aim to capture the energy and feeling of a place, imagining what has been and what is to come.  I'm interested in the changing landscape over time, how we affect the world and how it affects us.  Spontaneous mark-making is a key feature of my work where I'm looking to create or capture that atmospheric moment in time"   Lesley Birch, 2009