Phyllida Shelley | Earth City, 2023

Photopolymer

66 x 46 cm

Edition of 25

Phyllida Shelley uses the processes of printmaking to explore moments of humanity to create impressions that quietly connect and celebrate our existence. Her practice combines archaeological and creative techniques developed whilst working alongside archaeologists excavating Cookham Abbey during her residency. Her collection of prints are Inspired by trench formations, discarded evidence and the excavation process. Shelley translates her on site drawings of excavation trenches onto drafting film to create large abstract polymer prints using gestural intaglio inking techniques. Working with a variety of dry point tools directly onto square cut zinc plates which reference scaled grid formations, she combines descriptive lines with expressive mark making to explore the discarded objects from the excavation site. In ‘Remains Of Interest’ she is keen to give the same focus and care to finds rejected by archaeologists as those that will be carefully catalogued and conserved during this significant academic research project. For 'Golden Trowel' and 'Surface Song', Shelley also used excavation techniques and stencils of trowels from the dig site to create monoprints of the worked surface of an Anglo Saxon archaeological site. Her prints celebrate the importance of human engagement with our past, present and future. Sequential Illustration PG Dip University of Brighton & Editorial Design Art and Design PGCE University of Reading Theatre Design BA Hons Wimbledon School of Art 2023 AiR Cookham Abbey July-Sept Excavation by University of Reading of an Anglo Saxon monastic settlement. 2023 Morley College, Chelsea 2022 Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair - curated hang 2022 AiR Cookham Abbey July -Sept 2022 Exhibiting at Morley College end of year show 2021-22 Artist and Printmaker working in my studio & at Morley College.