I start off each piece of work by making marks on Fabriano paper with graphite, charcoal, oil pastels and watercolours, building up layers. This is a slow contemplative process enjoying the feel of the various media on paper and the juxtapositions which occur. When I feel that I have sufficient marks I start to develop them into things connected with nature.
At this stage further layers are added by collaging torn scraps of Fabriano collected from previous work. I aim to create subtle textures with the paper layers and have developed various of ways of tearing the paper to achieve particular effects.In between the objects I add marks to represent the myriad little things which drift and float in the air: pollen, water-drops, particles of leaf and bark, teeny bits of feather, weeny shards of snail shell, snips of leaf veins.
I’m drawn to the idea of secret gardens and aim to create such physical and psychological spaces where it is possible to escape from bustle, noise and other unwelcome distractions. Apart from the seasons, influences come from my local landscape, my garden and reading so my titles are a significant part of my work.
Late July, Lolling in Lettuces and Lupins
39 x 33cm, graphite, charcoal, oil pastels and watercolour
£850
Instagram: @shelagh_e_wilson