Melanie Clarke
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My practice explores the endless possibilities of utilising printmaking techniques including collagraph, stone lithography and relief printing methods. I enjoy the physicality of the process both in the building of a matrix and the coaxing of ink transfer to paper and then further investigations into the properties of the paper itself by folding, burning, piercing and stitching allowing the form to appear over time.
The opportunities offered by the repeat is endlessly fascinating, not to make editions but to build something more akin to object where something is the same but not the same working on each print individually. They never feel finished, each new piece informs and reforms what has gone before and what is to come and so in a constant state of flux.
The element of chance is vital in the production of my pieces and make little in the way preparatory work. I make printing blocks referring to memory and experience with a germ of an idea and then use these as one would make preparatory sketches and start printing, refining, editing and over printing.
My environment and my place within it provides the subject, not as a literal translation but a response to place. As I walk the woods in a meditative way, making drawings and taking photos, the familiarity of repeating the same paths but never seeing the same thing forms a connection. The forest provides me not only with solace but also a huge source of energy that is in a constant state of flux of gathering in and casting off.
Currently my work is exploring ideas around time; measuring time and perhaps containing time within layered sheets of tissue and heavy printmaking papers, and memory ; how it distorts and reorders, sifting out irrelevances and reappearances with unplanned pairings and conversations. Revisiting and reworking pieces made sometimes years ago, is providing some suprising results by deconstructing, reconstructing , adding to the surface with pigments and generally disrupting what is normally the flat surface of paper.
Since graduating with a BA(hons) in Fine art from The University of the west of England and an MA in printmaking from Newcastle university I have shown work widely in solo and group shows both nationally and internationally.
I have been employed as printmaking technician and principal learning officer at Gloucestershire college of art and design and Leeds Metropolitan University (now Beckett) as well as visiting lecturer at various Universities. Since arriving in the Forest of Dean I have been running printmaking workshops at different levels including people with learning difficulties at Artspace Cinderford and offer individual tuition and small group workshops in my own printmaking studio,
The opportunities offered by the repeat is endlessly fascinating, not to make editions but to build something more akin to object where something is the same but not the same working on each print individually. They never feel finished, each new piece informs and reforms what has gone before and what is to come and so in a constant state of flux.
The element of chance is vital in the production of my pieces and make little in the way preparatory work. I make printing blocks referring to memory and experience with a germ of an idea and then use these as one would make preparatory sketches and start printing, refining, editing and over printing.
My environment and my place within it provides the subject, not as a literal translation but a response to place. As I walk the woods in a meditative way, making drawings and taking photos, the familiarity of repeating the same paths but never seeing the same thing forms a connection. The forest provides me not only with solace but also a huge source of energy that is in a constant state of flux of gathering in and casting off.
Currently my work is exploring ideas around time; measuring time and perhaps containing time within layered sheets of tissue and heavy printmaking papers, and memory ; how it distorts and reorders, sifting out irrelevances and reappearances with unplanned pairings and conversations. Revisiting and reworking pieces made sometimes years ago, is providing some suprising results by deconstructing, reconstructing , adding to the surface with pigments and generally disrupting what is normally the flat surface of paper.
Since graduating with a BA(hons) in Fine art from The University of the west of England and an MA in printmaking from Newcastle university I have shown work widely in solo and group shows both nationally and internationally.
I have been employed as printmaking technician and principal learning officer at Gloucestershire college of art and design and Leeds Metropolitan University (now Beckett) as well as visiting lecturer at various Universities. Since arriving in the Forest of Dean I have been running printmaking workshops at different levels including people with learning difficulties at Artspace Cinderford and offer individual tuition and small group workshops in my own printmaking studio,
Contact Details:
Part of the farOpen Studios Art Trail 6-14 July 2024
Melanie is located at Studio 55, see the Open Studios 2024 Trail Map + Brochure
Glenthorpe
Hang Hill Road
Bream
GL15 6LQ
07955828561
[email protected]
Website
Part of the farOpen Studios Art Trail 6-14 July 2024
Melanie is located at Studio 55, see the Open Studios 2024 Trail Map + Brochure
Glenthorpe
Hang Hill Road
Bream
GL15 6LQ
07955828561
[email protected]
Website
