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Never Plain Sailing
Kate Alger
Woolwich Contemporary Editions
£295
Kate Alger is inspired by woodlands, open water, sad dogs and beautiful things. Her work balances fine detail with plenty of negative space. She strives to capture both the likeness and the soul of her subject matter.
All of Kate’s work is created by hand. Kate’s sugar-lift etchings allow her to explore a painterly way of working whereas her collagraphs combine hand-drawing, scalpel cutting and intaglio inking and wiping skills. Her recent monotypes have introduced a subtle palette of colour and intuitive mark-marking.
The sugar-lift etchings selected are of views that Kate knows well. Pewley Down Hedgerows elevates the often-overlooked and celebrates the feeling of protection and freedom that this special local space offers. The Day The Snow Came seeks to portray a feeling of openness and encourages us to look beyond the immediate. Winter Solstice reminds us that even in darkness there will always be light. Never Plain Sailing is an open spit-bite etching and is a personal reminder to try new things.
Magnolia III is printed on lokta paper and is part of a growing series of delicate botanical collagraphs, created initially for significant women in Kate’s life.
Mawddach Estuary V is the last in a series of monotypes which celebrate the restorative power of wild open spaces, where sea and sky meet.
Kate Alger’s artwork is held in private collections and has been featured in specialist press.