Heat Painting

Part of the new From the Earth and Sea collection which will be launching at The Other Art Fair in London on 14th of October 21. This collection is made using natural pigments, which have a link to the ancient history of the South West of England. This piece is made using madder, a red to pink pigment made from the roots of the madder plant. There is evidence of use since the Egyptian classical era in Toutankhamoun's belt, and evidence of trade from Europe into the South West of England from as early as the 1400s. The actual origin of the plant is unknown, but is probably Middle Eastern. Historically it was used for dying wool red or pink. The title of this piece comes from its appearance as a hot colour, its use in warm clothing and its history in the hotter countries of Egypt and the Middle East. I love the way in which we can trace our material connectedness through pigments across the globe, even in very early periods.