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Kate Downes

My practice is rooted in the everyday – the overlooked, the familiar, the quietly personal. From landscapes and still life to a favourite pair of brogues or the contents of my pockets (why is there always a conker in there?), I find inspiration in both the mundane and the meaningful. Social issues often weave their way into my work as well, making my sources of inspiration broad, ever-evolving and at times, overwhelming. The abundance of ideas is both a blessing and a creative hurdle.

 

When I translate these ideas into print, I aim to distil a subject to its essence – capturing mood, character, or atmosphere through bold forms and simplified shapes. While I work across various printmaking techniques, I frequently return to etching for its tactile quality and depth.

 

My aesthetic draws from the striking forms and vivid palettes of pop art and graphic illustration. I am constantly exploring different techniques, media and styles.

I often wrestle with a desire to loosen my style – to let go and embrace spontaneity over precision. It’s a slow unravelling of structure, and perhaps part of the journey itself. I’m not there yet; I’m still working on it. Watch this space…

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