Constructure is a group of four artists from the north of England; Artists Benedict Rutherford, Jamie Barnes, David Armes and Bonnie Craig. Each artist explores constructs and structures using printmaking processes and their work is united by considerations of modularity, spatial landscapes and personal responses to place. As a group, they are inspired by areas of overlap and dialogue between their practices.
While all four artists use printmaking, their work differs in technique and subject matter including man-made structures, natural imagery and the details of architecture and engineering. However while working together they discovered similarities in their approaches and processes which formed the inspiration for the exhibition. Printmaking techniques used by the artists include letterpress, etching, lino-cut printing, trace monotype and screenprint.
Bonnie Craig, a 35-year-old artist based in Lancaster who has also completed an MA in Surface Pattern Design at UCLan, commented: “I like to focus primarily on the order and disorder of patterns. This piece of work uses cardboard tiles to make several wall pieces and it’s great that I’ve been given such a large space in the gallery to display it.
“Working as an artist in residence has been beneficial for all of us; the students learn from what we’re doing and we enjoy being immersed in a creative environment where we can share ideas and collaborate on work.”
In addition, the artists are also publishing a booklet to accompany the work on show in Constructure. Funded by a Pushing Print bursary award, it will feature a handprinted cover printed by all four artists showing each artist’s own development and ideas.
This exhibition will be in the Sugar Store Gallery from 7th April until 2nd June.
Free entry.
