Deborah French
My artwork centres on the social... the interactions of people, the marking and remembering of events and situations, how places, people and objects
take on new significance due to the association with the social aspect of our existence.
I started out primarily as a painter. Now I work in a range of 2D and 3D media... selecting the media most suited to convey my ideas. I work mostly
with reduction woodcut printing, chalk pastel, wire, fabric and recycled materials. Clay has become my #1 love.
At present, as a theme, I am particularly interested in "craft" and its tradition/place in society... that 'fine line' where craft/kitsch/art meet in glorious
union... that making of art objects out of the everyday things around us.
Recently we have moved our family to a farmlet on the Kaitake ranges on the edge of Egmont National park. We are developing the studio to open
twice a year. The aim is to live here using recycled/'upcycled' materials as much as possible and to get back to the idea that fast is not
best...'quality of time' versus the 'fast is best' philosophy that is pervading society. I am trying to bring my life back to a more simple and
authentic level.
I have a blog about my work and the developments at TWIST farm and studio. At www.deborahfrenchartist.blogspot.com
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