Artist’s statement – Louise Gorst

My main inspiration is drawn from the natural world, and a sense of connection with the elements of nature. All my life I have loved walking and discovering new landscapes. I feel at home in the middle of nature - by a beach, on a hill, in the woods, along a path across a field. As human beings we are part of that world, sentient and expressive, trying to find our own path in life. Much of my work features figures - walking, dancing, in relationship, connecting to their path, their spirit. Other work is more abstract, focussing on the physical and expressive process of engaging with materials, and the excitement of playing creatively with what emerges.

My art journey started with the discovery of Life Drawing in the 1980s and led me to taking a Fine Arts Degree in Printmaking. In the life drawing studio, I discovered a relaxed and focussed atmosphere, connecting, through making marks on the page, to the model’s unique character, form and expression, searching for the ‘essence’ of each pose.  In the printmaking studio, I loved the various printmaking processes where accidental effects became more engaging to me than intentional marks, and working with layers created some wonderful, unexpected results.

Movement and gesture are key themes in my work. I dance, by myself, with others or with my shadow. Embodying the movement, I create a choreography of marks in response, on the wall or the floor, on paper. Sensing how it feels to move in a certain way – hesitantly, boldly, softly, angrily, joyfully and sensitively drawing in response. I also film dancers and draw from the moving images and stills, capturing the forms, rhythms, gestures & structures expressed in the dance as well as the music.

Teaching has always been an important part of my practice. I’ve created a variety of Experimental Drawing & Painting courses, encouraging students to let go of expectations, play with different techniques and materials and find a connection to their natural creativity. All the sessions start with a short, guided mindfulness meditation to invite a pause and a sense of presence before the activities of the class. I occasionally collaborate with a dance teacher to offer Art in Motion workshops, exploring the enticing connection between dance and art, movement and making marks. It’s a lot of fun!

I studied printmaking in Australia in the 90’s and have been an artist and art tutor for over 30 years, mainly teaching at Paddock Art Studios in Lewes. My work features on the cover of the recently released album Still Life by local band, The National Game, and is shown at various galleries in East Sussex.

Please contact me if you’d like to find out more.

Louise Gorst – louise.gorst@gmail.com – www.mindfullycreative.co.uk

GALLERY NORTH

70 High Street
Hailsham
East Sussex
BN27 1AX


01323 846938
artgallerynorth@gmail.com

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