e: bchambers@cardiffmet.ac.uk
w:
www.billchambers.net
Specialist Subject Areas
Specialist in Printmaking, I am interested in new technologies and how these can be integrated into existing printmaking processes. I am skilled in the use of computer aid design (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and In-Design) and use it in the production of my own work. My work reflects many influences, not least of which is my association with India, Rajasthan where I took part in an exchange program in the 90s and my continuing engagement with the world of textile design and printing. The prints that I make and my job as a teacher of printmaking skirt the realms of craft, technology and fine art in equal measure.
Qualifications
2002 PGCE Art and Design (secondary level), Cardiff Metropolitan University (UWIC)
1993 M.A. in Fine Art Printmaking, Chelsea School of Art, London
1992 B.A. Hons. Degree in Fine Art (Upper Second Class Hons), Cardiff Metropolitan University (UWIC)
Biography
I was brought up in Warwick and attended secondary school in Leamington Spa. My mother’s home town is Monmouth so I was born in Newport 31.12.1968. I moved to Cardiff in 1989 to attend the BA fine art course at Cardiff Metropolitan University (UWIC). I have two children and live in Penarth. I am a long-standing member of Cardiff Print Workshop in Canton, Cardiff and currently act as their treasurer. Over the years I have been self-employed as an artist and teacher, offering workshops and master classes to a variety of organisations and individuals. I have also worked as a part time tutor for Coleg Gwent and at Cardiff Prison. I continue to offer classes from CPW and work as an artist / printmaker from my studio at home.
Principal Publications, Exhibitions and Awards
2011 Wrexham Print International, Memorial Gallery, Yale College
2010-11 Wales Rajasthan Exchange Exhibition, Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur / Howard Gardens, Cardiff
2010 Deg/Ten Swansea Print Workshop Printmakers, Oriel Canfas, Cardiff
2010 Intaglio, St Davids Hall, Cardiff
2008 Wrexham Print International, Memorial Gallery, Yale College
2008 The Art of Bollywood, Staffordshire Town Hall Gallery
2007 Contemporary Welsh Printmakers, Swansea Grand Theatre
2007 Solo Exhibition, Washington Gallery, Penarth
2007 Showcase Artist, NB Gallery, Trowbridge
2000 Experiments in Print, Group exhibition of printmaking techniques conceived and curated by myself, Oriel Canfas, Cardiff.
Awards
2011 Arts Council of Wales Creative Wales Award. I will explore new media in printmaking by working in collaboration with staff of the Contemporary Textiles Course at UWIC to create new works by experimenting with digital stitch, laser cutting and digital print. This project is based on the architecture and urban environment of Newport and will culminate in a catalogue and exhibition at the Riverfront Arts Centre in Newport.
Enterprise Projects and/or Industrial links
I have a close association with Swansea Print Workshop where in 2007-2008 I was employed to write detailed notes on all the printmaking processes practiced at the workshop and a manual for practical management. I hold regular master classes in various forms of printmaking, most recently a course on digital media and printmaking.
In 2011 I was given an Arts Council of Wales Creative Wales Award to explore new media in printmaking. Working alongside staff of the Contemporary Textiles Course at U.W.I.C creating new works using digital media, laser cutting and digital print.
The same year I was chosen as one of the artists representing SPW in Import/Export an exchange with Edinburgh Print Workshop culminating in a small edition of prints, a catalogue and exhibitions in both cities.
Recently I have been employed over the summer months to deliver free arts and crafts workshops to children at various music festivals including Glastonbury, WOMAD and Greenman.
