Waterways Exhibition at Coldstream Museum

The artist’s work in “Waterways; mapping wetlands”, imparts a liquid-like quality which spills into all aspects of her practice. She feels that the environment is marked by processes and energies we often do not recognise, what is largely overlooked then becoming fertile ground for the imagination and for thinking about our impact upon the world. In this exhibition the artist reconciles how she feels about the colour of waterways and how we, individually, can take steps to protect these river and wetland systems by making natural plant-based colour.

Focusing on water for its colour, beauty and fragility she looks at how it connects and divides us. Though abstract, her prints are reminiscent of light upon the sea’s surface. In Blue Horizon, Jean’s choice of substrate further emphasises the depth of feeling she has for her local environment – the sea and sea-shore – but also possesses a sense of trepidation. By using a delicate semi-transparent paper the intense luminous beauty of the water’s surface is heightened, yet at the same time the fragility of the paper speaks of its peril. These works are thus both a homage and plea where she hopes to remind us what we are striving to regain.

Insta: @jean_gillespie_artist

Website: www.jeangillespie.art