Nesting 3

2022

Mixed media on paper using monoprint, collage, acrylic, charcoal and oil pastel.

I also have prints available of this piece. I worked with a specialist Edinburgh printer to make the editions, which are printed on Hahnemühle 90% bamboo/10% cotton paper (archival quality, 290 gsm).

Awarded the J&W Gordon Smith Trust prize at the Society of Scottish Artists 130 years | annual exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh in December 2022.

Original
1000 x 700mm
SERIES Nesting
GTA web nesting 3 HI
GTA nesting gutter monoprints
GTA nesting gutter nest1

The Nesting series gathers together work made during a period of unexpected nesting in 2020/21.

Through close observation of found feathers and nests I slowed down and settled in to make studies of these beautiful, complex and perfectly imperfect structures.

I decided to restrict my subject matter to these objects giving myself limitations within which to experiment. I enjoy working with different materials - the way that ink or paint reacts with paper or wood - the way that thread or wool can be used to create a fine line or a robust material. The materials guide you, sometimes producing accidents, which is part of the joy of it.

Anni Albers puts it very well:
“Being creative is not so much the desire to do something as listening to that which wants to be done: the dictation of the materials”.

With pieces developed through drawing, painting, monoprinting and collage Nesting features works on paper, wood and fabric.