KATE CROOK

Kate Crook

An important foundation to this recent work produced between 2005 to 2007 was an earlier transcription work; produced on a large format, using charcoal/erasure in a version of the ‘Massacre of the Innocents by Rubens’ (1611-12). I then borrowed images from 18th century erotic Japanese woodblock prints by Hokusai and Utamaro and drew figures freehand and placed them on boards that had a highly finished smooth surface. The bodies were enveloped with fabric allowing the the limbs and body parts to be exposed, losing the fabric, these transmuted into a kaleidoscope of abstract patterns. The pearlised pigment allows the figures to subtly appear and disappear.

A parallel body of work, also produced around the same time, was a series of etchings inspired from large facetted rocks on the coast in Cornwall. The refracted light on the rocks created prisms of light and dark, which lead on to a fascination with cut glass and stones. The shapes within those facetted surfaces, suggesting constellations of stars and planets. Observing light moving over these exquisite details defines sensuality and the female erotic. In both of these bodies of work I have sought the abstacted patterns that appear when light plays on a surface.

More recent works produced between 2008 to 2012 have been focused on the natural world. From Pond Life paintings to silkscreens of natural plants (weeds) using pearlised pigment and matt fabric-paint in a series ‘Benenden Botanical’. Pattern, transparency and overlayed images creating an interpretation of the forest floor.

Joshua Tree

A series of drawings and etchings (2014 to 2016) inspired by traveling to the desert landscape of The Joshua Tree National Park in California.

Two desert landscapes determined by elevation, come together in the park. Few areas more vividly illustrate the contrast between ‘high desert’ and ‘low desert’. Below 3,000 feet (910 m) the Colorado Desert (part of the Sonoran Desert ) occupies the eastern half of the park. The higher, slightly cooler and wetter Mojave Desert is the special habitat of the Joshua Tree, extensive stands of which occur throughout the western half of the park. The survival of the Joshua Tree (Yucca Brevifolice is a member of the Agave family) depends on well-timed rains and a crisp winter frost: birds, mammals, reptiles and insects depend on this tree for food and shelter. The Desert has a fragile eco system. Plant and animal life rely on each other.

The extraordinary and beautiful landscape is unique. The desert light on the plants and trees create pattern and shapes that provide the inspiration for this body of work.