The core of printmaker Emma Studd’s work is anchored in the exploration of one shape; the hexagon. Emma moved to Bristol to study a degree in Textile Design over 15 years ago, and has since gone on to gain a PGCE in Art and Design and teach Art and Textiles. Whilst also being a mother to two girls, she has recently focused on her own work again, having just completed an MA in Multi-Disciplinary Printmaking at UWE in Bristol.
“Singularly, the hexagon is still, flat, complete. When multiplied, overlaid, varied in colour and opacity, it presents an infinite realm of possibilities. It morphs and disguises itself amongst other forms. It creates movement, rhythm, and illusion, connecting with others to resemble cubes. I’m constantly experimenting with this shape and searching for the perfect formula of colour and pattern.”
The language of colour is something Emma is incredibly passionate about;’ “I understand instinctively that certain colour combinations work well together and have always loved the ritualistic act of mixing and matching the ‘right’ colour“. Through screen printing, she has learnt the importance of the use of transparency of colour within her prints; “How varied colour value and opacity of ink impacts on the hexagon motifs and how they will interact when placed over each other on the page“. Emma’s use of neon and metallic colours ensures her work is more handmade, and not something easily recreated as a digital image.
When creating a body of screen-printed artwork, she starts with a notion of what she wants to achieve, then decides on a colour palette, thinking carefully about the tonal range and transparency of the inks. Starting with a neutral colour, usually grey, Emma prints a single hexagon on multiple sheets of paper; one at a time. She uses the process of screen printing as a tool to apply additional colours and layer the shapes to create unique, often unpredictable, work. This results in one off original prints, or drawings, rather than identical prints in an edition.
Emma works in a methodical way, striving for accuracy and seeking alignment and order; “I apply a mathematical approach and I understand the logic, finding inspiration from geometry and Op Art“. Through her use of tessellating shapes with the potential to form infinite patterns, Emma illustrates her appreciation for the connections between shapes.
“I’m constantly making decisions, some conscious and some unconscious. I work instinctively adapting spontaneously to what is happening on the page. Asking internal questions about all aspects, while responding to the work as it evolves. What if I add that? How can I finish this? What else does it need? Mostly this is to do with the balance of many opposing factors: colour and tone are very important in order to create the illusion of cubes. Lots of intuitive choices are made about where next to place a colour after each one has been laid.”
You can purchase Emma’s printed artworks through Rostra Gallery and Flux Bristol. Some smaller pieces are also available from Casper Bristol.
www.emmastuddprints.com
@emmastuddprints
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