Mandy Freeguard

I was born and raised in the Tamar Valley, at Morwellham Quay. I raised my children locally at St Ann’s Chapel.

I didn’t start with Printmaking though till about 8 years ago. I was recovering from a serious illness which had left me virtually housebound at the time. I was looking for a new challenge and distraction from my illness. And Lino printing fitted the bill.

It was a bit trial and error to start with, but I love the journey of printmaking, the designing, the carving, the inking and pressing and the final piece. 

Always inspired by my surroundings, the Cornish countryside, the sea and the moor. The mining heritage, I grew up with, and I particularly love prehistoric monuments and love exploring their relationship with our landscape of today. Also inspired  by precious memories of days well spent with family, of places visited, that because of illness I probably won’t ever visit again.

I exhibit locally with Drawn to the Valley and last year was a finalist in the Ironbridge Printmaking Competition.

For me, Printmaking was then and remains Art Therapy for me, an escape from the struggles of everyday life.