melanie clarke

Artist statement

Paper has always been central to my work along with the physicality of printmaking processes; how ink sits into paper and how paper reacts to the print process makes for a coalition between the will of the intellect and the nature of paper.The shrinking and stretching of the paper as it is dampened, forced through a printing press and allowed to dry slowly encourages a dialogue back and forth perhaps like a song, exploiting the personality of paper which in each print remains visible. Then the manipulation of paper by cutting, burning, folding, creasing, piercing, stitching and by printing on both sides, tearing and re assembling, exploits the fragility and strength of the myriad types of paper.The possibilities of the repeat lends itself to layering and construction rather than in making editions.These addition/reduction processes, encouraging serendipity and remaining open minded to the unexpected lead to each unique piece becoming something more akin to object rather than illusion.Modern concerns around pollution and waste are of course embedded in my conscious and unconscious mind revealed over time in the making and looking at each work. | |

Biography

BA(hons) Fine art (printmaking) Bristol (Poly) now UWEMA printmaking Newcastle University | I have worked as technician and learning officer at Cheltenham GlosCAT and at Leeds (metropolitan) now Beckett supporting undergraduates, post grads and staff as well as visiting lecturer at various colleges.I have taught workshops at different levels locally and offer mentoring one to one all of which I find beneficial as a two way exercise. | Currently living in the Forest of Dean I have established my own printmaking workshop and continue my research into paper and print.I have shown my work nationally and internationally and most recently selected for- | RWA 171st openWoolwich contemporary print fair %u201923Cadaques mini print 43rd Spain touring Europe and UKACEarts Somerton open 23Mid Wales Art centre big winter open 24work held in private collections