Cressida Campbell
Poppies 2005
woodcut, printed in watercolour
From the estate of Beth Morton
Mirroring is fundamental to Campbell’s practice as an artist who simultaneously exhibits a unique print and the painted matrix (or block) from which that print was taken.
This duality is illustrated through Poppies 2005, with the display of this woodblock painted in watercolour and the subsequent unique print alongside. In this pairing the unique textural qualities of the respective formats is evident.
Campbell has stated:
My technique suits me as I have always painted and drawn. Using one block I don’t have the restriction of registration difficulties. It allows me the freedom of painting with any number of colours but using a contemplative method in the completion of each separate step of drawing, carving, and painting.
Unlike the Japanese technique where artists print with ink, the thick watercolour paint I use creates a chalk-like fresco effect. After I have taken the print off the woodblock, I then add quite a lot of watercolour paint to its surface, depending how much I think is needed and the same goes for the woodblock.