ARTIST STATEMENT

I find myself continually drawn to the rich layers of human history within the built environment, visiting towns and cities alongside more rural locations. Exploring on foot, I observe and record the sense of a place; architecture, buildings, bridges, objects and the natural world that pique my interest. I notice the juxtaposition of angles, forms, surfaces and light, usually from the least obvious position or I focus on the subtle or temporary elements. I frame and compose scenes that intrigue me, photographing them as a reference to work from back in the studio. 

Using silkscreen, lino cut and blind embossing I aim to distil my memory of these experiences. Colour often plays a significant role, whether subtle or vibrant. Using a limited palette or leaving areas untouched I explore both the space and mood within an image. The surface of my silkscreen prints in particular, show subtle layers of both solid and transparent elements, where natural references such as trees or foliage may conceal and offer texture adjacent to or in front of the harder manmade structures. 

In contrast, my intricately carved blind embossed prints are devoid of colour, whereby the paper plays a significant role in revealing form and texture through shadow and light. These works become companions to the viewpoints shared in the other prints, often revealing the more subtle details of surface where a macro interpretation of the built landscape exists.

 BIOGRAPHY

Jacqui has a BA (Hons) in Fine Art and works predominantly in printmaking.  

She is a member of Birmingham Printmakers, Wrexham Print Centre and re:collect, a group of artists exploring, making and exhibiting contemporary art in the heritage context. 

Awards include funded projects by Arts Council England and Shropshire Council: new work for Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery; a touring Cabinet of Curiosity and two exhibitions marking the anniversaries of the start and the end of WW1 

In the autumn of 2016 Jacqui was one of four artists selected to collaborate with artwork at BPN Architects in Birmingham, she exhibited 'Reveal, Conceal', a collection of screen prints inspired by buildings and architecture around the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter. 

Jacqui teaches print workshops at Birmingham Printmakers and Westhope College, Shropshire.  She has also taught print as part of exhibitions and funded projects in museum, school and heritage venues.