ABOUT

Kate Gerrard is a Hove-based printmaker specialising in relief printmaking. She uses traditional craftsmanship to create bold, contemporary work. Her aim is to create work that is visually striking and thoughtfully made. Art that connects, starts conversations and makes people feel seen and empowered.

Each piece is hand-carved into Japanese vinyl blocks and printed with rich, oil-based inks. Her works are produced on an 1850s Columbian press at BIP-Art in Kemp Town, or at her home studio. She uses techniques ranging from multi-block and reduction printing to experimental ink application and chine-collé for added texture.

Her work draws on the stylised aesthetics of mid-century art and design, with a focus on bright colours, high contrast and graphic line. Influenced by Pop Art, Bauhaus, Riot Grrrl, street art and fanzine culture, Kate’s practice reimagines a traditional process through a vibrant, modern lens.

Kate’s subjects are predominantly strong, defiant women, depicted with power and presence reminiscent of mid-century propaganda posters. Her work challenges traditional representations of women rooted in beauty and objectification. They do smile, but only when they want to – and definitely not when you ask.

Biography

Originally from Norwich, Kate completed her Foundation Course in Art and Design at the Norwich School of Art and Design. She then moved onto academia, completing a BA in English and an MA in Modern European History at the University of Sussex, Brighton. Her MA thesis on East German punk was published in the volume Youth and Rock in the Soviet Bloc.

After many years working in the charity sector in communications and content design and as a musician and songwriter, Kate returned to visual arts in 2023. She completed a Printmaking course at Brighton’s Phoenix Gallery before honing her craft at BIP-Art.

In 2026, Kate is expanding her practice into screen printing and acrylic painting, to develop new skills and evolve her work and practice.

Current Exhibitions

“Cadence Continuum” and “Cancelled: Adjust the Focus”
November 2025 - February 2026
Brighton Women Artists group exhibition