Collagraphs: Mapping a Moving Edge

So I am following this trail of traces, and have been walking the wild beaches again. There is so much inspiration there it blows my mind. I tried planning out my project but feel a bit overwhelmed having never made a collagraph before, and having so many options to expand beyond the usual pictorial space using scale and repetition. Too many possibilities plus not enough technical knowledge equals meltdown. So I took myself off for a walk instead, trusting a way in would emerge.

Ochre cliffs at Southside

This beach is actually an ochre site with high cliffs that are constantly being eroded by water and wind, and small landslides. It is a very dynamic site, full of danger and possibility. I see it like an art gallery. The textures and colours are what I want to try and work with. I took a lot of photos and continued to visit, observe, sketch and photograph throughout this project.

I am very inspired by the work of Jo Lankester, an artist working with place through collagraphs. She also uses walking as a major part of her art practice. I love the way she builds an image by using many layers of transparent colour. I'm not sure how many plates go into each image, but her colour work is sublime. This layered approach speaks to the nature of the site I am exploring.

Jo Lankester

Basaltic Waters, 2018

Unique state print-Multi-colour plate intaglio print and hand stitching