Cut, print, publish! The creative work of Mark Howard Jones

For those of you who regularly dip into the Library blog, you may have seen the post, Artist’s Proof of Cut Loose. The post showcased a recent donation to the University’s Art Collection by MA Illustration student, Mark Howard Jones and left you in anticipation of a display of more of Mark’s work. Well, I am delighted to inform you that the exhibition is now showing in the library display space on the first floor landing of the University Library, including the promised new pink version of Cut Loose. 

Mark specialises in relief printmaking and painting. He shares that his “work combines the process of making with capturing the social and cultural memories associated with walking.  Drawing inspiration from the vibrant tapestry of my local Hampshire environment, I make colourful linocut prints and paintings often depicting suburban scenes featuring dogs and their owners enjoying moments of exercise and connection in the park.” Visit the exhibition to see and read about other things that have inspired him. If you are not a member of the University, you are still most welcome to visit. Find out how on our website. You may feel inspired by Mark’s work and, thoughtfully, he has displayed the tools which are used to create the linocut which he tells us are readily available from the Eldon Art Shop. We can try this at home!

Mark explains that the MA Illustration course here at the University of Portsmouth is helping to define his “role as a creative practitioner within a social, political-historical context and challenging me to push my creative boundaries to find my individual artistic voice.” There are some brochures near the display which showcase the creativity of other MA Illustration students too. These are free to take.

If you would like to see more of Mark’s work and more examples of printmaking, why not visit the Small Wonders exhibition at the Jack House Gallery, just down the road from the University Library, from 7th – 15th June.  

Thank you, Mark, for sharing your joyful work with us.

~ Greta Friggens – Faculty Librarian, Creative and Cultural Industries