STATEMENT

The Mezzotint is classified as a Drypoint print. The velvet black finish, which is a characteristic of this process, is achieved by the use of a Rocker. The serrated edge of this tool applies a tooth to the plate and when completely rocked it will print black. This preparation of the plate can take a few days, depending on the size of the image and plate. The image is applied by scraping away the rocked surface with a Scraper tool. Chiaroscuro and subtle tonal effects can be achieved with this method.

Editions are kept to a limited amount, to retain the fine details

As a child my late Grandmother told me fairytales that have remained deep in my psyche and instigated a need to vocalise with imagery issues important to me. These images characterise some of the myriad emotions that make us human.

The velvety blackness and intimate scale of the Mezzotint provides an ideal looking glass for this dreamlike world.

MATER FAMILIA (2010)

Mezzotint and etching 245x205 mm, from an edition of 10

Welcoming the arrival of my nephew this was executed to mark the special occasion. Kudos to my sister and her husband for creating such a beautiful babe.

CONSOLATION (2010)

Mezzotint 230x210mm, from an edition of 10

DISQUIETUDE (2010)

Mezzotint 140x160 mm, from an edition of 10

SILVERBELL (2010)

Mezzotint and etching 150x150 mm, from an edition of 15

Based upon tales my late grandmother told me as a child, I felt the need to commemorate her life the best way I knew how. 'Silver Bell' and 'The Yellow Ribbon' were my two favourite stories, there were many others but I never tired from hearing her retell these ones to me. They have in affect influenced my artwork greatly. The mezzotint lends itself well in creating an eerie and dark world of caution.

UNTITLED (2010)

Mezzotint and etching 110x110 mm, from an edition of 10

THE YELLOW RIBBON (2010)

Mezzotint and etching 150x150 mm, from an edition of 15

UNTITLED (2010)

Mezzotint and etching 110x110 mm, from an edition of 10

THE MANY FACES OF ADAM (2010)

Mezzotint and etching 297x130 mm, from an edition of 10

DEADLY NIGHTSHADE (2010)

Mezzotint 297x210 mm, from an edition of 10

When creating this work I was looking at Black widow spiders, Deadly nightshade and toying with the idea of doing a series of works with Retablos/Mexican Votive paintings in mind.

ENCOUNTER (2009)

Mezzotint 140x120 mm, from an edition of 10

OBLIVIOUS (2009)

Mezzotint 125x140 mm, from an edition of 10

DIVERGENCE (2009)

Mezzotint 100x125 mm, from an edition of 10

THE NEW ACQUISITION (2009)

Mezzotint and etching 105x70 mm, from an edition of 10

APPETENCE (2009)

Mezzotint 70x120 mm, from an edition of 10

UNTITLED (2009)

Mezzotint and Etching 120x70 mm, from an edition of 10

JORINGEL'S DREAM (2009)

Mezzotint 175x220 mm, from an edition of 10

Literally based on the Grimm's Fairy tale Jorinda and Joringel, a tale of two lovers who are separated after a witch turns Jorinda into a Nightengale - very abbreviated version sorry - for a better description you can read it here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jorinde_and_Joringel

This print depicts the dream Joringel has that spurs him on to find his lost love....

AVIFAUNA (2009)

Mezzotint 70x140 mm, from an edition of 10

ANIMOSITY (2009)

Mezzotint 120x145mm, from an edition of 10

ANXIETY (2009)

Mezzotint 75x100mm, from an edition of 10

This print signifies a change of direction in my art - While I was over in Glasgow the recession had just kicked in. It was a time of uncertainty and growing unemployment which in affect created an apprehensive environment. Glasgow was hit very hard. I walked by closing shops and businesses on a daily basis. These works window the anxiety felt by many. 'Agitated', 'Apprehension', 'Appetence', 'Animosity' and 'The New Acquistion' were all made around this time.