Kayla Gardiner
Statement
My work is primarily focused on soft ground etchings, exploring the intricate details of plant life through larger scale prints. The subject of my current series revolves around a particular plant I discovered while studying a site, and it has become a focal point for my exploration of nature’s delicate forms and textures. By magnifying the scale of these plants, I aim to evoke a deeper sense of intimacy with the organic world, revealing nuances that are often overlooked in our daily encounters with nature.
Through the process of etching, I investigate the tactile and layered qualities of the plant, using the softness of the medium to translate the complexity of its surfaces. The process of printmaking itself mirrors the organic growth I’m studying; the gradual build-up of marks on the plate reflects the layering and unfolding of life over time.