Falling

Leaf skeleton, teabag paper, wood, gold paint, lamp

By using found objects as disregarded leaf on my winter walk. I soaked and cared to preserve them and made into a cloth. I drawn to humble and everyday materials, often placing unassuming weeds, grasses, or fallen leaves at the centre of my printmaking. In the first year of my MFA, I expanded from printmaking into paper artistry.

Ordinary thing

Copy paper, handmade paper, teabag paper, Wood, thread, gold paint, ink

A recent focus has been on specific processes of making, such as techniques of paper manipulation. Using Japanese traditions of Boro and Kamiko, I transform everyday papers and tea bags into cloth as part of an exploration of mending. Such process-led works engage me in a slow, quiet practice, in sharp contrast to the fast-pace of contemporary society. I invest time and attention to celebrate the most overlooked of everyday materials.

Photo credit: BJ Deakin Photography

The Hederaceous Helix

Hedera Helix, the common Ivy. Hederaceous Helix, resembling Ivy.

The Hederaceous Helix is made in response to the College’s Archives, using documents concerning the formal gardens to explore West Dean grounds. In searching for wilderness, I mused about wilding West Dean. What would it be like if the lawn was unclipped? Falling leaves covering the floor, wild weeds instead of botanical specimens and exotic plants? If the Ivy was taking over the house, would bramble grow across the hall?

Here I gather bramble, ivy and fern. Let’s celebrate the falling leaves and disintegrating moths. Let’s look closer at the common ivy and disregarded leaves. With my printing I capture the essence of the plants and use paper sculpture, which is a craft base skill, to echo the theme of our Art and Craft College. Let the ivy stretch its long, slender arms around the surface. A bit of wilderness in the house.