Wild Collective is the debut exhibition by the EnviroPainters, a recently formed collective of artists dedicated to immersing themselves and creating art in natural environments, using found objects sympathetically as tools, pigments and media.
Their work involves deep engagement with natural materials and pushing boundaries, so that there is a dialogue between nature and their art. For example, the artists work on the ground or on the beach, rather than using easels; they mould unstretched canvas over natural surfaces to create texture and marks; they use fallen branches or washed-up seaweed as paintbrushes; and they incorporate whatever the weather throws at them into their work.
Using a range of surfaces, including natural canvas, calico, wood and clay, the artists explore their individual responses to their diverse locations – the beach, intertidal areas, rivers, woods, fields and gardens. They use a combination of paints with natural found items – such as leaves, wood, bark, pebbles or shells, mud, and sand. The results are a range of very individual works of art.
The collaborative experience of being out together provides a supportive environment, sparks creativity, and provides a sense of safety in sometimes obscure locations, all of which are at the core of the EnviroPainters.
EnviroPainters is open to artists of all levels and welcomes newcomers. By creating and exhibiting together, they challenge each other artistically in a dynamic and safe environment.
Wild Collective is being shown alongside an exhibition by Kim O’Neil, who set up EnviroPainters after working alone in the environment for five years.
The 10 participating artists are Frances Beaumont, Sue Bird, Deborah Condor, Carol Dale, Carole Leith, Lynn Monks, Penny Murchison, Margaret Ramsay, Dee Sullivan and Suzanne West.
Exhibitor Information
