An interest in printmaking, in particular lithography, has developed over the last ten years into a major
commitment. The surface is achieved by tusche washes,
and the use of semi transparent colour to build up the
layers of an image on a slab of stone. The
opportunity to use the very nature and texture of the
stone in the final work, has enabled the
re-investigation of many themes of enduring interest
such as ancient structures and stone work, peeling
layers of paint and rusting metal.
Cycladic Pigeon Houses
These prints form a series of lithographs that have
been developed over the last few years using the
sculptural shape and decorative designs of traditional
Cycladic pigeon houses in their landscape. The Greek
Islands of Tinos and Andros are dotted with ancient
dovecots which follow the same basic two storey
rectangular shape. These stone built, white stuccoed
structures are very domestic in appearance and scale
not unlike a more elaborate version of our own
Scottish doo'cot. Each pigeon house is unique in its
decorative detail, reflecting the individuality and
artistic sensibilities of the owners who have used
popular traditional Greek motifs of sun wheel, cypress
tree and lozenge. The finials on the roof may have
been landmarks for the doves to recognise home. The
fact that many of the dovecotes are in a dilapidated
state adds interest with peeling paint and plasterwork
and crumbling stone.
Using the simple sculptural form of the structure and
the infinite variety of intricate detail within, these
prints have been created to form strong monolithic
shapes, richly coloured and patterned, reflecting the
strong light and colours of the landscape and the
texture of the disintegrating surfaces.
Ancient Roman Wall Paintings
These lithographs are part of a series of prints where
the continuing interest in disintegrating surfaces of
peeling paint and plasterwork has been explored and
developed. Villa Oplontis suffered a fate similar to
Pompeii and Herculaneum and has been comparatively
recently excavated to reveal an astounding array of
wonderfully preserved wall paintings.
Born in Nottingham, Jill Bennett moved to the Scottish
Borders in early childhood and is a graduate of
Edinburgh College of Art, specialising in Drawing and
Painting. Based in Edinburgh she is now working full
time as an artist having worked part time as a teacher
of art in special education for some years.
Jill exhibited widely with works in oil, gouache and
watercolour until an interest in printmaking, in
particular lithography, developed over the last ten
years into a major commitment.
Most recent solo exhibitions
Cycladic Pigeon Houses
Edinburgh Printmakers May - June 2004
The Hellenic Centre, Marylebone, London
"Peresterionas" - Dovecotes of the Cycladic Islands
and other Greek Images
February2006
Most recent group exhibitions
Interactions Collaborative Print Folio
Edinburgh Printmakers May 2003
Edinburgh Printmakers Christmas Exhibition
December 2004 - January 2005
Visual Arts Scotland 2005
Professional Member V.A.S
Glasgow Art Fair 2004 / 5
Edinburgh Printmakers
London Art Fair 2005
Edinburgh Printmakers |
