ARTIST’S STATEMENT

My artistic practice is rooted in exploring the interplay between intention and chance. Through printmaking, I engage in a dialogue with the materials, tools, and techniques, inviting them to participate in the creation of each piece. This collaborative approach allows for a dynamic and evolving relationship between myself and the medium.

Inspiration for my prints often stems from observations of the natural world, capturing fleeting moments and subtle nuances that evoke a sense of beauty and introspection. I aim to distill these experiences into visual representations that invite viewers to contemplate and connect with their own emotions and perceptions.

In my prints, I strive to create a harmonious balance between control and experimentation. While I embrace the technical aspects of printmaking, such as carving into linoleum and finding the right colour inks, I also leave room for spontaneity and intuitive mark-making. This duality between structure and serendipity gives rise to works that possess a distinct energy and vitality.

Through my prints, I aim to elicit an emotional response from the audience, inviting them to engage with the work on multiple levels. Whether it's the play of colors, the tactile quality of the print, or the layered imagery, I hope to evoke a sense of curiosity and discovery within each viewer.

Ultimately, my goal as a printmaker is to create a visual language that transcends the boundaries of words, allowing for a deep and personal connection between the artwork and its beholder. I believe that art has the power to inspire, transform, and communicate, and I am humbled by the opportunity to contribute to this rich tapestry of human expression. 

The Red Line Series 2023

In my recent body of work, the Red Line series, I have embarked on a transformative artistic journey influenced by personal experiences of trauma and the subsequent challenges I faced over the past five years. This period of my life necessitated adaptations to physical conditions, leading to a newfound dependence on others for support. The process of healing has profoundly shifted my perspective on life, fostering a sense of humility and gratitude.

Exploring uncharted territory, I have ventured into working with a medium that was unfamiliar and initially unappealing to me: oil pastels. Through a course with Jen Hamilton, I delved into the possibilities of using oil pastels as a drawing medium, gradually acquainting myself with techniques such as layering colors, rubbing, scraping, erasing, and utilizing a blending stump. Surprisingly, I discovered immense pleasure and joy in manipulating this new material.

The transition from my previous practice of Lino block printing to pastel drawings has rekindled the spirit of my early creative endeavors. I find myself drawn to conveying simple, primal, and instinctual narratives through gestural figurative imagery. Each mark and line in the Red Line series tells a story, evoking a raw and intuitive response from viewers.

Throughout this series, I am constantly questioning the boundaries of my artistic expression. The red line, both metaphorical and literal, represents the edge I tread upon as I push the limits of my comfort zone. It symbolizes the process of crossing boundaries, challenging conventions, and embracing the unknown. Also serves as a catalyst for personal growth on my artistic journey.

As I continue to navigate, and reflect on my experiences I see the beauty emerging.  Through The Red Line Series, I strive to create a visual language that speaks to the core of human existence, celebrating the power of art to heal, inspire, and connect.