Isabel Lucas
- Country
- Spain
My primary medium is printmaking.
Guided by the natural world, the minuscule and biology; I understand the world around me and myself through my craft.
My art captures parts of myself and the world that I’m trying to understand. Pulling it apart in different ways, reforming it using various crafts such as print, woven textiles, metal craft and ceramics. By exploring the subject across different mediums, I analyse form, texture, colour and design from more perspectives. Allowing me to connect with the work and express my personal understanding of it.
Experimentation has always been at the heart of my work. Art is fluid and emotional, and in order to create a powerful piece it’s essential to get experimental and push boundaries.
Growing up in an environment that constantly encouraged and exposed me to the crafts. With both my parents having a background in the arts, they understood its value, and the passion and drive it took to succeed in the industry.
I was accepted into Grennan mill craft school, a recognised course which taught many prominent craftspeople across Ireland. I recently graduated from the advanced craft course where I was able to study printmaking over the past two years.
This experience gave me a rich understanding of the practice, how it has evolved over time and its value. In a world that is constantly evolving through technology, it’s essential to stay connected to our heritage, to our crafts, as they continue to empower us.
My favourite technique so far is collagraph. Due to its temperamental and temporary state of being, the making of the plate is as rewarding as printing it and it’s its own piece of art. The plate deteriorates, leaving behind a limited series. This technique always reminds me to be patient with my tools and the importance of accuracy, to sustain my practice.
Artworks
Sink or Swim - etching - varied edition of 100
This etching is part of a series of prints I completed while exploring the concept of masks.
In several traditions across the globe, there are rituals which involve putting on a mask and letting the spirits take over your vessel. It can be seen as performative art, and often involved dance. I used this to create movement and emotion in my work. Nowadays, we put on masks to protect ourselves and separate ourselves. We mask ourselves when we reach our limits. I drew from these opposing ideas to create my series.
The Dance II - Two block linocut - Edition of 250This print is part of a series I completed exploring the theme of masks.The Táin by Louis le Brocquy was a great source of inspiration for my series and my process. Countless fluid ink drawings were done in preparation of this piece.By layering blocks I desired to express the frantic energy and convey the anticipation of each movement. The joy and despair, the desperation and need to go on. It is my dance of life.
A set of earrings and matching necklace - Made from silver with enamel inserts.This set is meant to by playful and elegant. Inspired by the greek god of theatre, Janus. These figures represent the duality of the gods and human nature. With an open bezel setting, they can be worn backwards and forwards, allowing the figures to interact differently depending on your mood. with arms outstretched they reach towards one another, or trail an arm in farewell.
Opened Up - Collagraph - Artist proofThis print is my interpretation of the heart lying beneath the skin. Exposed and beating, it is about connection and the necessity to put yourself at risk by being vulnerable.