Artist statement
My work explores the geological heritage of Scottish landscapes. It is process-driven and involves the environment as an active participant in its creation. Fieldwork fused with haptic memories is a starting point to both paintings and copperwork.
This year I will show my work away from my home studio alongside Meraki Art at the Phoenix Hall, Newton Dee.
Extended Bio
I am a visual artist living and working in Aberdeen. I graduated from Gray's School of Art in 2021 and have shown my work in group and solo shows in and around Aberdeen, Aberdeen Art Gallery, Gallery Heinzel, The Milton Gallery, Crathes and the Tatha Gallery in Newport on Tay.
I am intrigued by geomorphological processes and the way landscapes change. I am particularly fascinated by the Scottish coastline where we find habitats with highly specialised ecosystems: rock pools, estuaries, cliffs and beaches. My work aims to shine a light on the fragility and transient nature of these places on which environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution and human construction have a detrimental effect.
My projects are based on fieldwork and are often site-specific. I try and immerse myself in the environment taking note of visual information as well as my holistic experiences while being there.
I express my ideas by using experimental methods and materials that allow me to mimic the morphological processes in the landscape for example using malleable copper sheets. By laying the copper on rocks or other textured surfaces found in the location and tapping it with a hammer I am able to emboss it with their structure. Then I douse the copper in a patina bath and leave it outside exposed to the elements until a satisfying patina has built up. The process is slow and for that part out of my control. Later on I have a chance to manipulate the work that nature had an active part in creating.
The collage work is inspired by my memories and holistic experiences made during my fieldwork. The process is one of contemplation, trial and error, involving an almost rhythmic layering and erasing in order to bring the memories to life.
Sharing my creative process with others is part of my art practice. I always hope that people will find different ways of seeing and looking at our environment and forming deeper connections by doing so
