Glimpse

In lieu of two postponed residencies this summer I gave myself permission to play with the graphite and created some artist books. This is a short video of the first.

Graphite is such a tactile material which needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. There are subtle nuances of colour and texture. The surface can be burnished to an almost mirror shine or applied gently as silk, a soft smoky sheen. Hidden marks create layers, a history, and trick the eye with connections to real objects, ancient landscapes or city skylines. Replicating the ripples of a tossed stone, the jagged edge of broken glass, trees whispering in the forest - listen : follow with your eyes and you will hear sounds and feel my world.

Initially drawn with explosive mark-making techniques on a large sheet of paper, the cutting and folding process creates unexpected compositions, glimpses of textured surfaces that draw you in. As the piece grows it becomes a sculptural entity with endless possibilities for display. I have noticed a physical reverence in those who have experienced it, a gentle handling despite its volatile creation.

This immersive, exploratory work has directly led to the finished pieces I am producing this autumn and it continues to inspire each time I catch a glimpse of the book in the studio.

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