Kelp, Wrack, Charred Kelp, Benbulben Pigment on Yupo
30 x 23 cm
2020
Framed in natural walnut frame behind UV protective plexiglass.
Sold framed or Unframed (Please contact directly if you would prefer to purchase this piece framed)

This series of work traces the landscape of North Sligo through the pigments and inks derived from natural materials at Raghly, Lissadell, Ballyconnel and Benbulben. There is a contrast between the ancient geological fossils and formations and the slippery soft organic terrains found at rock pools and shorelines. Colour is used as a marker of terrain. Each work responds to the idiosyncrasies of specific colours derived from the landscape as well as the surface it is applied to.

Colour is created through the process of crushing, grinding, charring and boiling natural materials. The works feature a spectrum of hues from iron rich yellow/orange ochres to a pale pallet derived from limestone, urchins and limpets to monochromatic charred kelp. Bladder wrack and kelp are synthesised into inks which allow a contrast in viscosity on the page.

Colour is applied to the page by drowning the surfaces in ink and paint. The surface is Yupo Paper, an interesting synthetic recyclable material that is completely waterproof. Without the ability to absorb into the surface the pigment is left behind after the evaporation process. This creates thin veil-like layers which can blend and bend across the page, gathering and depositing hues and tones as it rolls. The hues find their way around the page settling into their own rhythm as water does in the natural environment. The final drying process appears to suspend the colour between solid and liquid revealing distinct vistas.