Dead Place Pigment and Nori Paste on Glass

23 x 30cm
2020

These pieces are created using the same gestures seen in the process of working with pigments: pigment and binder are mixed together by moving a glass muller over a glass slab, working the pigment in circular motions. The pigment is then scraped off the slab. These movements are repeated on 6mm glass panels in this series of works.

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.