My artwork examines the dysfunctional relationship between humans and the natural world, particularly the ongoing sixth great mass extinction. Drawing from memories of childhood I view environmental issues through a nostalgic lens, aiming to create a more personal connection between the viewer and the extinct or endangered animal. My practice is multi-disciplinary, with a focus on using recycled materials. I work predominantly with printmaking and paper art processes, but also utilise other techniques such as painting. I am interested in the reproducibility of printmaking and how this aspect can create artworks that extend beyond the two-dimensional plane. The mounting for this series reflects the curation of zoological specimens within a museum collection. Through my graduate works, I aim to both inform and memorialise recent extinctions. Humanity is a major contributor to species loss worldwide, yet the general public is not aware of the majority of recent documented extinctions. It is only charismatic animals like the thylacine and dodo that get media attention, yet 100s of species are lost each year – some unknown to science. These works aim to evoke curiosity in the audience, encouraging further thought and research. The use of faeries calls to childhood, highlighting the wonder for the world felt while growing up. The inclusion of faeries also poses the question of whether we are more emotionally connected to a dead imaginary creatures rendered in our own image than a real animal whose extinction can be directly attributed to humanity.

The Fae and the Fallen (Glaucopsyche xerces), 2021  

Tetra Pak and plastic drypoint on repurposed materials, acrylic paint, pins, ‘iPod touch’ container  

123 x 71 x 26 mm

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The Fae and the Fallen (Urania sloanus), 2021  

Tetra Pak and plastic drypoint on repurposed materials, acrylic paint, pins, polystyrene, card, Harry Potter video tape container  

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The Fae and the Fallen (Urania sloanus), 2021  

Tetra Pak and plastic drypoint on repurposed materials, acrylic paint, pins, polystyrene, card, Harry Potter video tape container  

140 x 203 x 140 mm

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The Fae and the Fallen (Mecodema punctellum), 2021  

Tetra Pak and plastic drypoint on repurposed materials, watercolour paints, pins, plaster of Paris, card, plastic vending machine toy container  

65 x 65 x 65 mm

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The Fae and the Fallen (Mecodema punctellum), 2021  

Tetra Pak and plastic drypoint on repurposed materials, watercolour paints, pins, plaster of Paris, card, plastic vending machine toy container  

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The Fae and the Fallen (Pipistrellus murrayi), 2021  

plastic engraving on repurposed paper and plastic, pins, polystyrene, card, ‘Tearie Dearie’ doll container, ‘Polly Pocket’ doll container  

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The Fae and the Fallen (Pipistrellus murrayi), 2021  

plastic engraving on repurposed paper and plastic, pins, polystyrene, card, ‘Tearie Dearie’ doll container  

130 x 285 x 95 mm

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The Fae and the Fallen (Pipistrellus murrayi), 2021  

plastic engraving on repurposed paper and plastic, pins, polystyrene, card, ‘Tearie Dearie’ doll container  

130 x 285 x 95 mm

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The Fae and the Fallen (Pipistrellus murrayi), 2021  

plastic engraving on repurposed paper and plastic, pins, polystyrene, card, ‘Polly Pocket’ doll container  

105 x 140 x 28 mm

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