Kate Mitchell
Nature in graphic detail
A stunning photographic exhibition will open at the Graffan Gallery, at Castle Espie Wetland Centre, outside Comber in County Down, on Saturday 14 May and run until Monday 31 May 2011.
Featured artist, Kate Mitchell will bring an unusual exhibition to the gallery known for its emphasis on the environment, of plant and wildlife in a way which the viewer will see nature in a different light.
This exhibition is the result of a series of photographic plant and wildlife studies which have been digitally re-worked to give a more graphic, almost poster-like feel. Originally interested in exploring the form and colour of plants and flowers both on a large scale, and in closer detail, the inclusion of the insect world was at first accidental, but soon became as important as the plants.
Kate was born in Winchester, Hampshire in 1963 and grew up in Cornwall.
Always sketching and painting as a child, a determination to study Art led to a Foundation year at Falmouth School of Art, followed by a Graphics/Illustration degree at Humberside College.
She moved to Northern Ireland in 1996, after working predominantly as an illustrator in Children’s Books, an interest in horticulture and the environment led to a change of direction; working in Landscape Architect’s offices in Belfast and Bangor, and completion of the first year of an MA in Landscape Architecture at University College Dublin.
While hoping to complete the MA in the near future, and currently practising Garden Design, she has also come back, full circle, to painting and sketching, with a growing interest in photography.
Kate said: “My photographic work deals predominantly with composition and pattern, which I then reinforce, by digitally reworking the image. This might be through flattening or emphasising texture or simply by cropping the image for a more powerful effect.”
“My work has various influences, ranging from vintage posters and iconic illustrators of the 50s, 60s and 70s, to Medieval, and Arts and Crafts tapestries.”
Although a practising artist in various forms for more than twenty years, this is Kate’s first exhibition.
“I am hoping that the scale of the imagery on show will encourage the viewer to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the miniature world around us that is so easily overlooked.”
Castle Espie is open daily from 10.00am. Access to the car park, shop, Loughshore Café and Graffan Gallery is free; however usual admission applies to the wetlands.
When down at the exhibition why not try our snacks and meals prepared daily on-site, visit the shop or take a stroll around the wonderful wetlands.
