
Robbie Jones
Robbie J Woodcuts is a Cornish artist, known for his striking, intricately carved wooden works that blur the line between printmaking and sculpture. Drawing inspiration from nature, traditional tattooing, and folklore, Robbie uses printmaking techniques not to create editions, but to transform the woodblock itself into a finished piece of art.
Using traditional printmaking tools like palm gouges and a hand jigsaw, his pieces reflect a love for the natural grain, imperfections, and texture of wood. Rather than printing from the blocks, Robbie celebrates the carved wood itself as the final artwork.
“I’ve always loved the organic properties of wood and transforming something from nature into a piece of art.”
Each of Robbie’s works begins as a rough sketch in his notebook before being transferred onto birch plywood, a timber chosen for its smooth carving qualities and clean grain. The block is then cut to shape, sanded, painted, and meticulously carved using hand tools typically associated with lino printing. The final step is a protective varnish, allowing the grain, texture, and natural imperfections of the wood to become an integral part of the finished piece.
Where many printmakers celebrate the print, Robbie celebrates the block. His practice is a deliberate reversal of tradition. The result is a series of entirely one-of-a-kind pieces that honour both craftsmanship and the organic character of wood.
