A touching highlight

I took part in the Craftival Print Fair at New Brewery Arts in Cirencester in August. It was great to be part of such a friendly event, I met fellow printmakers and compared notes. Hot topics of conversation were: how to display things, where to get cards printed, what other events to go to.

I loved talking to the visitors about my work, and a stream of friends came to see and support me over the three days, which was really nice.

But, one thing really made it for me. A charming visually impaired man and his wife came to my stall. I displayed the woodcut blocks for my Cirencester Church at the front of my stand to draw attention. The man began to feel the block and started to smile, he could interpret the details with his fingers. He compared the two blocks, working out which bits were doors or windows, the tower and the clock and so on. His wife gently talked him through it and guided his fingers.

He said to me, " This is fantastic, there's something for me. I go to places, there's never normally anything for me." I felt so happy to have given him such a nice experience, I was quite touched.

I'd taken the wood blocks to help me explain how I produce the prints, and in the past people have liked them as objects in themselves, but this took it to a whole new sensory level. This happening was unexpected and an added highlight that topped things off beautifully.

This is the first time I've tried doing a Print Fair, it was a great experience. I think being local made it easy for me - easy to set up and lots of familiar faces coming in, plus having my very local and recognisable church image was a big help. Thanks to New Brewery Arts for having me, and thanks to all who came to have a look around and buy things!