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Clare Russell - mixed media artist Every picture tells a story in the evocative works of Clare Russell. Half-remembered beach holidays and days of walking and travelling through the landscape are amongst the subject matter. From intricate layering of tiny pieces of hand-made paper to bold use of weathered timber, it is the inventive use and treatment of a diverse range of materials which is the common thread weaving through her work. Old wire, wood, hand-made papers, netting, lace, inks, pastels, paints, found objects and images are some of the raw materials. Often the starting point will be a textural scrap or found object which recalls a particular feeling or sense of place. There follows a lengthy process of working with multiple techniques and ingredients; cutting, tearing, painting, distressing, adding and subtracting until the final image emerges, clarifying and enlarging upon the original response to the subject. Clare trained as a graphic designer and worked in that field for twenty years in Brisbane, London and New York until 1999, when she moved to Maleny and began to develop a long-held interest in collage and mixed-media art. She works from her studio at home in the peaceful green hills of Maleny, drawing solace and inspiration from her surroundings. Of her work Clare says: ‘I like to make soft strong images, evoking responses to personal yet universal experiences. I hope that looking at my work can give people “the good feeling” for which the world has such a great need.’ *All images copyright Clare Russell. Not to be reproduced in any form without consent of the artist. Contact Artist |
Artist's Gallery
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