Process and authentically connecting with my materials is important to me. I must see the evidence of the wood in my print. I bow down to the natural grain and choose a block to best show off what I plan to carve on it. I believe in the connection from the eye to the brain and through the hand, to the plane that I work on. A translation and transfer of my energy to the piece of art.
McClarty's latest body of work, Head Under Water, consists of semi-abstract reduction woodblock prints based on photographs taken of the artist submerged under water, from above. The edges of the form are broken and with no clear start and end to the body, it becomes a part of the environment.
"Initially, I painted my surroundings, a commentary on the past and present. Now working out of my home studio in Kommetjie (South Africa) my focus has been relief and drypoint intaglio, with repeated experimentation with monotype. In January 2021, I moved to woodblock and I think that is where I’ll stay."
McClarty has exhibited widely in South Africa and internationally, with her work being displayed in numerous private collections.
CIRCLE are pleased to welcome Kristen to the gallery as part of our core group and original print collection.
