Roy Tonkin

1959-

Roy Tonkin began his fascination with shapes, myths, and figures at the age of 12 after reading Tolkien. At West Surrey College of Art and at the Bath Academy where he studied pottery and printmaking, he developed his interest in carborundum etchings which enabled him to build up a three dimensional surface on the plate, applying layers of paste and iron filings as if working with clay. He set up a studio in London in the early ‘80s and produced his ceramic carborundum plates, printing them himself. He finds inspiration in medieval legends – in the crafts, woodwork, pottery, masonry, and tapestries of that era. His images concern a world of allegory and fables.