“Exuberant, challenging and impressive new work from two intelligent and skilful artists – who listened. (They will make it big! )” Professor Bruce Mclean
Twenty years ago Carol Wyss and Tessa Holmes studied printmaking at the Slade School Fine of Art. Studying under Professor Bruce Mclean they graduated with his daily mantra of “make it big” ringing in their ears. His words were duly absorbed. To mark this anniversary they have come together to exhibit a joint show, “Impress!” Big, both in size and number.
Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day is a series of 40 mono prints giving a vibrant abstract account of the urban topography of Rome. This interpretation of historical landmarks has been made using paper stencils to construct bold layers of colour and shape. “I draw with a knife. I like the speed and the clean sharp edge that a blade produces. I love this simple way of working: quick, immediate and spontaneous” Tessa Holmes
Into the Wild features large etchings of weeds and wild flowers that turn out to be entirely made up of human bones. Each image is built up from hundreds of layers of bones, printed from large steel plates. “I am always searching for the structure of things, taking them apart and putting them back together again. I am fascinated by the human skeleton, the ingenious shapes and the physicality of bones.” Carol Wyss
These two sets of works provide dynamic and powerful images. Both artists incorporate traditional printmaking processes combined with the use of unconventional materials and drawing tools (including bones, power drill and surgical blades). While making an immediate visual impact the works also repay careful scrutiny, revealing unexpected surfaces and hidden layers beneath.
The exhibition will be showing at The Montage, 33 Dartmouth Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 3HN from 30th September – 11th October and will be open weekdays 9am – 6pm (closed Tuesday) and Saturday/Sunday 10am – 6pm.
PRIVATE VIEW: Thursday 1st October 2015 6pm – 9pm
Enquires: etchstudio23@icloud.com
Websites: www.carolwyss.net www.tessaholmes.com