Brian Giles (Black Church Print Studio) was awarded the PNI Inter Studio Residency at Graphic Studio Dublin which took place in Spring 2026.
“I would like to thank Print Network Ireland for the opportunity to take part in the Inter-Studio Residency at Graphic Studio Dublin. The residency was an incredibly valuable experience and has had a significant impact on my practice as a
printmaker.
During my ten days at Graphic Studio Dublin, I worked closely with master printer Michele Hetherington, focusing on photopolymer etching. This was a completely new process for me, and the residency gave me the time, guidance and facilities to develop a solid understanding of the technique. Through a series of tests and experiments, I learned how to prepare digital imagery for photopolymer plates, expose and develop the plates, and print them successfully using the etching press.
One of the greatest benefits of the residency was the opportunity to work in a different studio environment and alongside artists with a wide range of experience. Being able to exchange ideas, observe different approaches to printmaking and discuss technical processes was both inspiring and motivating. The generosity of the staff and artists at Graphic Studio Dublin created an open and supportive atmosphere that encouraged experimentation and learning.
The residency has already had a direct influence on my practice. The knowledge and confidence I gained in photopolymer etching have opened up new possibilities for combining photographic imagery with my existing screenprinting practice.
Since completing the residency, I have continued to develop these ideas during a residency in Spain, where I have been able to reflect on how the techniques and approaches I learned at Graphic Studio Dublin can become part of my future work.
Beyond the technical skills I developed, the residency strengthened my confidence as an artist and expanded my professional network within the Irish printmaking community. It also reinforced the value of collaboration and knowledge-sharing between studios, something that Print Network Ireland plays an important role in supporting.
I am extremely grateful to Print Network Ireland, Graphic Studio Dublin, Michele Hetherington and everyone involved in making the residency possible. It was a rewarding and enriching experience that has provided me with new skills, fresh ideas and a strong foundation for future projects. I look forward to continuing to develop this process within my practice and hope to build on the connections and opportunities that the residency has created.”
