The Art of Slowing Down

Brian Park is a printmaker, who runs a busy workshop at the Edinburgh College of Art. Together with his students, they create Etchings, Screen-prints, Woodcuts, Risographs & Lithographs all under the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.  

Some of their print presses date back to the 1800s and work as well today as when they were first crafted! We appreciate anything well made so we asked Brian about his approach as a modern-day printmaker...  

Slowing down. We don’t spend enough effort these days to take time doing the things we love. As the world becomes digitally reliant and more machine efficient, we increasingly feel the need to keep up. And it’s tiring! Physically and emotionally. Mental health is suffering as our natural pace of life is picked up and washed away on the tide of multi-level digital platforms and software updates. 

I feel that all well-crafted objects have a presence and a power. Whether it be an ancient tribal artifact, a unique piece of furniture, a perfectly balanced tool or the clothing you choose to wear.    

I wear clothes that have purpose and a pedigree. If form follows the function, I look for that in what I wear. The clothes I wear need to be practical and unafraid of getting a few extra splodges of ink, it all adds to the character. I wear my &SONS pieces almost every day in my workshop.  

Working in clothing made well by those who know their craft, materials and intent is a pleasure to inhabit. Slow down. Dress for the occasion, live in the moment and most of all, enjoy the journey.