Claire Rowlands – Materialise
1st March to 25th March 2011
Open evening Wed 2nd March 7-9pm
This exhibition showcases images that are created by the combining of varied fabrics. The focus is on how minimal images can be transformed by the use of colour and texture without the use of paint. Much of the work is hand stitched and the patchwork effect means each piece has a very different outcome.
My love of working with texture and colour comes from my experiences designing scenery for the theatre. All that you create when painting scenery has to be bolder to be seen from a distance and under stage light.
I have transported that idea into my work on canvas.
I create work by collecting all kinds of materials such as fabric and textured paper. I will not start piece until I have a clear image of what I want to create, but if a new paint technique or idea comes along I will follow it through. That is the most exciting thing about being an artist.
Since moving to London 3 years ago I joined an art group Plumstead Painters and Potters who exhibit regularly in the Blackheath, Dartford and Bromley area.
I love the spontaneity of creating images from fabrics I have gathered, creating interesting textures and bold colours.
Bio:
I had an interest in art from a young age. I studied art through school and college where I completed a BTEC foundation in Art & Design. Even to this day, I believe this to be one of the best years of my life as it gave me the opportunity to experiment and tryout all kinds of techniques from printmaking, to photographic cyanotypes and pottery. It was a journey of self discovery and confirmed that I wanted to pursue a career in Theatre Design.
I was fortunate to be accepted in Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and I trained for 3 years in set, lighting and costume design. After graduating I moved to Tokyo where I lived for 6 years. During that time I designed and painted scenery for Tokyo International Players , Tokyo Theatre for Children and also Model Language Studios; a school teaching English through Drama.
On returning to England I found enjoyment creating in the comforts of my own home! I enjoyed the challenges and pressure of working in the theatre, but it was also quite heart breaking when all your hard work is destroyed at the end of the show’s run. Working at my own pace and being able to return to a piece and improve it has become far more pleasing. The idea that my work can be hung on a wall and appreciated every day also gives me a great sense of satisfaction. Claire Rowlands