Stephen Hoskins

Stephen Hoskins is Professor of Fine Print and Founder of the Centre for Fine Print Research (CFPR) at the University of the West of England, Bristol, based at the Bower Ashton Campus within the College of Arts, Creative Industries and Education. His academic career spans decades of pioneering work bridging traditional printmaking techniques with cutting-edge digital technologies.

Hoskins' research philosophy centers on the physical artifact, primarily predicated in print, with a focus on the relationship between technology and making from a practitioner perspective. His primary research areas include the potential of 3D printing and related digital technologies for the arts, and the tactile surface of printed artifacts and its consequences for digital technology. He has developed a unique position of understanding digital and new media technologies while always relating them to physical output and creativity.

His publications reveal a consistent focus on the intersection of historical printmaking techniques with contemporary digital fabrication methods, particularly exploring the tactile qualities of printed surfaces, ceramic applications of 3D printing, and the sustainability of art-making practices. The research trajectory shows increasing sophistication in merging 19th century photomechanical processes with 21st century digital technologies.

Hoskins has maintained an exceptional record of industry collaboration, working with major partners including Hewlett Packard (for whom he held a sponsored Professorial Chair from 2004 to 2014), Renishaw PLC, Burleigh Pottery, Denby Pottery, Dycem, and Viridis3D. His approach emphasizes interdisciplinary understanding and practical application of research findings.

As a practicing printmaker and author of three books including '3D Printing for Artists, Designers and Makers' (Bloomsbury), 'Water based Screenprinting,' and 'Inks,' plus over 40 peer-reviewed papers and three patents, Hoskins has established himself as a leading authority in the field of fine print research and digital fabrication for artists.