Maureen Nathan

Born and raised on the west coast of Canada, I've lived in England since 1974 and am currently based in my London studio happily working on an inherited Bewick and Wilson press. The subject matter may vary but the underlying theme is the evidence of human presence. I am drawn to objects and motifs that show the human hand and usually in ways that continue now as much as they did 100 years ago or 1,000. There is a history and common thread running through these deceptively simple, everyday vessels and articles of clothing. The continuity of day to day human experience is something we can all relate to using household objects or wearing shoes. There is also a certain pathos not knowing the wearer/user and the subsequent emptiness hints at the brevity of our time with these objects. Forms and composition play an important part and the viewer is asked to contemplate the relationships between artist and subject matter and between the subjects themselves. , Occasionally working in editions, generally each print is unique, the product of single and multiple passes through the printing press. I compose and determine the palette as I go along, often incorporating additional plates with each pass. The result is an ever changing meditation on shape, colour, and pattern. What was once observed and considered has been transformed by improvisation and an exciting element of chance. The ethos of my printmaking practice is one of sustainability, making use of mundane, recycled materials like cartons (Tetrapak), recycled floor protection (Recyclo), offcuts of plexi, aluminium and enviromount which I cut into drypoints, collagraphs and stencils. I work with non-toxic water/oil based inks and litho/relief ink easily and safely cleaned with cooking oil. The paper used for printing is recycled from many sources including large London print studios and my neighbourhood Whatsapp group!