Artwork for Rosie McLay
Strings, 2025
Obey, 2024
‘Sister’ from the etched copper plate
Grounding III, 2024
Otter, 2022
Bee, 2023
Pull, 2020
Grounding II, 2019
Details
Rosie McLays intricate etchings explore mortality and nature while testing the taboo. The deep sooty black and patiently rendered hatched line studies are typical of the copper plate works of the artist. These characteristics amplify a timeless impression that are often seen in her work.
The most recent works have been exploring new processes including painted stained glass, using medieval techniques of kiln fired lead paints within constructed glass panels. This new endeavour for the artist has encouraged her to work more with metals and 3D ideas.
I’m lucky enough to say I’ve probably made art my entire life, and for me it’s how I get closer to myself and to the world around me. Researching, engaging, drawing with both my studies and my materials are my way of learning. My work provides an opportunity to discuss the natural environment as well as more challenging subjects like the human body and the wonders and woes of it’s function.
Artist Printmaker, Stained Glass & Sculpture
I recently moved to Herefordshire from Bristol, so my etching studio is set up there as a 145 year old press is a little challenging to move! Even though I’ve been working in copper etching for twelve years I only started running workshops in the last three years, which I often combine with drawing exercises. These, alongside most of my life drawing sessions, take place at my Bristol studio at Estate of the Arts, but I have been doing pop ups in Herefordshire this year too.
2024 + 2023: Artist in Residence: Human Dissection Project, Katowice, Poland
2021 - 2025: Life Drawing Host, Bristol & Herefordshire
2023: CRAFT Festival Cheltenham, ‘Best in Show’ from Llantarnam Grange
2017 2024: Co-Founder Estate of the Arts Studios & Events, Bristol
2024: Stroud College, Intermediate Painted Stained Glass
2014: BA(hons) University West of England, Drawing & Applied (Fine) Arts
2025: Exhibitor, Print Press & Roll, Bristol
2024: Exhibitor, Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, London
2024 Art Fairs: MADE Brighton, RHS Malvern, Craft in Focus
2023: Exhibitor, Wells Art Contemporary, Open Exhibiton, Wells
2022: Exhibitor: Open Exhibition - Royal West of England, Bristol
Me & East, Totnes (Reproductions & Cards)
Molii, Fishponds, Bristol (Reproductions & Cards)
Upfest Gallery, Bedminster, Bristol (Reproductions & Cards)
Wing Gallery, Wadhurst, East Sussex (Etchings)
Hastings Contemporary, East Sussex (Cards)
