Description
Emma Kirkmans latest Prints are on display in our Gallery from the 1st March through till the 31st May 2019. This work reflects Emma’s passion for nature and depicts the natural world around her.
Medium: Oil based relief ink printed on Somerset Velvet 250gms
Image Size: 10 x 10.5 cm
Edition Size: Limited edition of 10
“I am an artist and printmaker living in North Cumbria and am studying for an MA in Creative Practice with my focus on fine art printmaking with a crossover into illustration.
I have a profound and emotional connection with nature and as an artist I draw Inspiration from my love of nature which I immerse myself in as much as I can. I love to explore the wonderful countryside of Cumbria with my walking and studio companion a little black cocker spaniel called Izzy to gain inspiration for my work, I love the big skies, ancient woodland and high fells and the changes experienced through the seasons.
Although I am still exploring my process as an artist I find that interactions with a location and exploration of the surrounding environments and inhabitants will spark off an idea that starts a chain reaction, from here I will make quick field sketches to capture an essence of a place and capture its spirit knowing that it will later evoke memories that I have experienced on location.
These sketches are made with mixed media using pencil, pen and ink, pastel and watercolour and are very rough. I will then research and sift through reference material, however I never completely ‘design’ the print by copying a finished sketch and putting it on to the block because I find this too edited and restrictive. I like to form a collection based on an idea or location to start a series of images, the subsequent choice of print medium comes from the sketches produced from the reference piece, I find that collograph gives me looser abstract image whereas linocut is bolder and stronger in the final outcome, both I find wonderful but very different outcomes. I am drawn to print as a process because although there is a technique and there are so many variables which will influence the final image. I can intend to produce an image which I have visualised and often the final image varies from my expectation, a serendipitous experience to which I surrender quite happily.”
