Mary Gillett is a printmaker captivated by the tactile and rhythmic process of traditional etching. She celebrates the ancient reliability of the etching press, finding joy in the moment of reveal when damp paper lifts from the inked plate. For Mary, the time-intensive nature of etching provides space for contemplation and imbues the process with unique eloquence.

Her plates, often appearing eroded by natural forces, are furrowed, corroded, and scraped to reflect the landscapes that inspire her. Interweaving alchemical processes with symbolic layers, Mary explores overwhelming emotions through her work.

Described as “powerful, uncompromising landscapes” with a “stern lyricism that speaks beyond place and season,” her prints convey the raw beauty and enduring presence of the natural world, resonating deeply with viewers.

Mary is a member of the 21 Group. Formed in 1967, the 21 Group of Artists is now one of the longest established groups of exhibiting professional artists in the South West. The group invites its members to produce high quality work that recognises the intelligence of the hand and the embodied wisdom born out of physical making (such as painting, drawing, printmaking) as a means to establish a robust, experiential, and authentic art practice.

The group seeks to evolve and disseminate this counter culture through exhibition and discussion. In order to foster this, and to preserve the opportunity for creative dialogue between its members, it still limits its membership to a maximum of 21 artists. The group aims to mount two or three exhibitions a year, usually held within the South West region.

 Etching

82x74cm

 Framed under glass