About the Artist

Kirstie Behrens  

Artist Statement

I quite often start with a drawn or painted sketch in the location. This is backed up with photos, and the combination of both is useful when I come to draw the image onto the metal plate. Inking up the metal plate can take up to half an hour, longer if it involves more than one colour or is a print using two plates. As each plate is inked up by hand, the prints can vary slightly. It is always quite exciting rolling the plate through the press and then lifting the print off the plate to see the mirror image.

I sometimes enjoy leaving an early proof of the print in the environment for some time near the subject matter allowing nature and the elements to create their marks.

In October 2020, during the easing of Covid restrictions, I took my first proof of ‘Buachaille Etive Mor' and climbed up the Lost Valley in Glencoe where I left it under rocks and stones. I intend to return and collect what is left and see the impact of several years of weather and possibly wildlife on the image. A true reflection of the passage of time.

CV

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2019   Degree Show DJCAD

2020   Brechin Townhouse Museum

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

Open Eye Gallery Edinburgh

Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh

Aberdeen Artists
Royal Glasgow Institute
Visual Arts Scotland

Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries


Edinburgh Drawing School

The Braemar Gallery

Castle Gallery Inverness

Hulabhaig Gallery, Skye

Torrance Gallery, Edinburgh

ArTay Perth

Frames Gallery Perth

Watermill Gallery, Aberfeldy


Rosangle Art Gallery, Dundee, as part of

‘Impact 8’ International Printmaking Conference

Edinburgh Art Fair

City Art Centre, Edinburgh

PRIZES & AWARDS

2022   An Talla Solais Award RSA

2021   W.Gordon Smith and Jay Gordon Smith Award RSA

2021   Art in Healthcare Award RSA

2021   Roy Wood Prize for printmaking RSA

2019   Graduate Exhibition Award AngusAlive

2014   Art in Healthcare Award RSA

Since August 2021 I have been Artist in Residence for the Manx Beauty Project, Cellardyke, which is a community initiative to restore the fishing boat ‘Manx Beauty'.