LXAA - Limited Edition of 1 Artwork

My work is the study of light. I use photography, screen printing, solar plates or oil paints on treated metals. I use natural light as my main exposure source for transparencies and my work makes reference to the origin and technological use of semi-precious metals through history, exploring pop culture, expressionism and our place in the landscape. I love using industrial and randomised techniques but also using traditional methods and materials. This series of prints and paintings are about the materials Calum has used across his working life. When he studied printmaking at Falmouth, he used copper plates to make intaglio prints. The prints focused around the landscape, the coast and the sea. Three themes that continue to influence his artistic career. A strong inspiration is derived from the world of electronics, this fascination began with his father’s engineering background and business. Copper (Atomic Number 29) is an excellent electrical conductor whose name is derived from the Roman 'ore from Cyprus', aes cyprium, later modified to 'cuprum' from which we derive 'copper'. The Egyptians used The Ankhe symbol (a cross with looped top) to signify copper, which also represents eternal life. The eighth most abundant metal on earth, copper was forged in supergiant stars that exploded as supernovae. The first metal used in any major quantity in human history, the Bronze Age is named after a copper alloy, it’s success due to its resistance to corrode and easy formation into utensils and jewellery. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century by Gutenberg vastly increased the demand for copper because of the ease with which the metal could be engraved or etched. The compositions in this body of work are inspired by maritime communications. Nautical flags were originally used in ancient military encounters and by 1653 the Royal Navy issued instructions by signalling with flags, modern naval code signalling began with the invention of maritime signal flags in the mid-17th century by the Duke of York. Numerous signal books were published after these systems, culminating in the International Code of Signals, which has gone through a few revisions but still proves useful as most navies still use the ICS flags for representing letters. Each print on copper alloy are ICS flag standard forms but multilayered, like photographic film. Creating compositions from randomised sources like current news headlines, but inspired by design elements and movements of the twentieth century such as Plasticism and Dada, and the Bauhaus school. Influences are Anni Albers, Mondrian, Schwitters and designer Peter Saville. The copper prints are mostly in the standard size of vinyl or disc sleeves and use industrial printing techniques for printingdirect on to copper alloys. Biography I studied Fine Art at Falmouth School of Art, specialising in printmaking with photopolymers. I started his own print and design company in 1997 with the assistance of PSYBT and HIE, projects have ranged from promotional printing to package design. I have been lucky to have exhibited nationally and my work is in private collections, I have also taught etching and screen printing workshops.