My interest in printmaking began while researching the history of book illustration for a bachelor's degree thesis. This led to study and employment in pre-digital commercial printing. I have enjoyed and will continue working on fine letterpress printing projects with handset type and my wood engravings. This process is challenging and it's a welcome contrast to sitting at a computer. Our world can use frequent doses of truth and humor, and I aim to offer both while evolving my skills in traditional and digital illustration media. I welcome opportunities for children's book and magazine illustration, book design and production, graphic design, letterpress printing and workshops.
Most of my work is available for purchase. I'm building my Etsy store, and if you have questions about something you don't see there, please email or phone with any queries. Email: illustration@colleendwire.com
For the first four months of 2013, I was traveling in Europe and had the great pleasure of visiting many places of artistic interest to me. Please visit my blog to enjoy photos, share comments, etc. Sharing a European Sketch Crawl
In the summer of 2022, a group of Wood Engravers' Network members traveled to the United Kingdom for a 10-day tour. We viewed stellar collections of wood engravings and books and met with members of the Society of Wood Engravers, an organization that celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020. Here is a slideshow of the WEN CON UK 2022 tour.
The Children's Book Academy Institute of Children's Literature Two Year Diploma in Printing, Danville Community College, Danville, Virginia BA, University of California at Berkeley, "Literature and its Illustration"