Merlyn Chesterman

Merlyn's artistic philosophy is grounded in capturing the essence of a place. She uses the woodblock medium with a supportive, literal surface to convey the spirit of her surroundings. At the core of Merlyn's artistic narrative resides her deep affinity for sea swimming—a fundamental aspect of her life in Devon. The rhythmic undulations of swimming in the waves seamlessly weave themselves into the subtle currents of her woodblock prints.

She prints her large-scale works on Okawara, a Japanese paper, or bright white Somerset Satin, employing oil-based or water-washable inks. Her technique often involves colour gradation on the roller and the addition of extender to adjust pigment intensity. Merlyn typically employs multiple blocks, layering one over the other to achieve depth and complexity in her compositions.

Merlyn Chesterman is a member of the print collective Pine Feroda and holds the distinction of being a Senior Fellow of the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers. Her work has been showcased in galleries and museums globally, earning her numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the art world. Collectors and art enthusiasts alike highly covet her prints, which reflect her profound impact on the woodcut medium.