Hayley Burgess

Warwickshire | England 

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As a child born in the 1980s my life was slower. I had my hobbies but my down time was the garden, making up plays, dances and drawing animals.

 

Technological advancements brought us the internet and today my son streams any show he wants to watch at a click of the button. Life is faster, we want things now (or at least tomorrow). Fine Art has become faster too, with photographic and video developments came immersive art which allows an interactive experience for the viewer.

 

My practice explores the role traditional printmaking has in a digital age. Historically printmaking has played a significant part in disseminating art and ideas using its own unique and technical artistry. I challenge this duplication by deliberately creating nonidentical patterns and unique mono-prints. Keeping my focus on creating work made with techniques chosen for their uniqueness of line, tone and texture. 

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As we all move into an era of artificial intelligence and deep fake technology . The question many artists have grappled with throughout history now comes to forefront of all of our minds: “Who am I?” 

 

I am a mother, an animal lover, a keen walker and allotment grower. I am a day dreamer, a doodler and a realist. I am concerned with humanities environmental impact and our childrens future. 

 

I am also an artist specialising in printmaking. I started printmaking nearly twenty years ago whilst studying for a Foundation Diploma in Art. I remember vividly making my first collagraph, the smell of stale linseed and turpentine, my frustrations with the old stiff ink and the lengthy processes with toxic materials.  Undeterred, I continued my printmaking practice graduating with a BA (Hons) Fine Art from Birmingham Institute of Art and Design. 

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Evidence of the artist’s hand is present in all my work.  I use traditional printmaking methods to push my art practice further, often combining two or more techniques such as woodcut, drypoint, mono-type and Japanese wood lithography called Mokulito to produce the final print. This allows my work to evolve slowly into reflective small editions or unique mono-prints and mixed media paintings.

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I am mindful of my environmental impact as an artist and I strive to use only non-toxic inks and processes.  Papers and pigments are sourced based on their purity and archival qualities. Watercolours, etching and lithography inks are lightfast on the Blue Wool Scale 6-8 (8 being highest). Re-use and recycle is another key cornerstone. I make my plates from reclaimed wood, recycled plastics and re-used mount board, recycling where possible or re-using them after use.

 

I feel fortunate to live and work in a beautiful village in Warwickshire surrounded by fields and animals. The rural landscape influences my largely autobiographical work; where the transformative qualities of the natural environment are used as a metaphor for myself.  Childhood memories, familiar sayings and experiences are all incorporated into Art which resonates with us all.