Michaela Fown

Michaela Fown

Artist Statement

Many of the subjects I use in my art are found in the landscape around me and have a connection to my hometown. The images I take and then base my artwork on are often focused on things that are easily overlooked due to their condition, decay or simply their normality in society. I like to focus on subjects that one may never consider as art and make it exactly that.
My studies focus mainly on printmaking and graphic design. While the two forms of art may seem to be in complete contrast with each other, I find there are many ways the two overlap as I use elements of each within the other. I am fascinated with manipulating images whether it is through a traditional printing process or on the screen digitally. With printmaking I am able to create pieces that reflect what I see in my subject through mark-making and unplanned responses to the process. I find enjoyment in stepping back and not having complete control over how the zinc or copper plates etch, or being unable to erase a mark created by a litho crayon. The imperfections that happen with this process of art are what makes it so intriguing to me.
When printing, peeling the paper from the plate is always my favorite moment. This is when I am able to see where my artwork is heading and what I need to do to it further. I like how I control the finalized product by having choices on the color of ink used or the paper I print on. As a designer I like to be engaged with the materials I use as it affects the outcome greatly, while still being able to let the process have some say over how the image turns out.