Details

First Name	Caroline
Last Name	Watson
Username	carolinewatson
Website	http://www.carolinewatsonart.com
Region	Greater Glasgow
Disciplines	Drawing, Painting, Photography
Themes	Abstract, Environment, Figurative, Landscape

Statement

I make drawings using mixed materials and more recently have been developing my use of photogaphy. Inspired by the natural world, I am interested in our relationship to place and meaningfulness, balancing the use of materials and image to create something that is reflective and relevant.

For me art is about seeking clarity. Making work is my way of engaging with the world, working through ideas and understanding. I enjoy the labour of drawing using a variety of materials; the repetition of mark making, building a surface slowly and knowing that sometimes an error cannot be undone and hours of work are destroyed or re-purposed and then beginning again.

I always work in a series often repeating images, changing materials. My latest series The Walking focuses on woodland and the depiction of trees, literal or abstracted, exploring the theme of place, touching on memory and attachment. I am interested in depicting light and space to create a place for connection and wonder. We need to move through natural spaces that offer comfort or reassurance, not always wild but nature as it is found in green spaces, parks, woodlands, local trails, outside spaces; not only a refuge but an extension of our cultural selves.

Biography

A Canadian Scot, Caroline Watson was born in Scotland and grew up in Canada before returning to Paisley where she lives and works. From her studio in an old thread mill she makes drawings using mixed materials about the natural landscape and our relationship to place. A Visual Artists and Craft Makers Award helped develop her interest in photography as a new outlet for expression and an extension of her drawing practice.

She attended Fanshawe College in London, Ontario completing her studies in Halifax at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design which included a self-directed residency in the Orkney Islands. She has exhibited in Canada and Scotland.

Caroline has a strong commitment to the cultural life where she lives. She believes that art and culture can create change and bring renewed energy, connection and meaningfulness to a place. Caroline has a background in organising events and exhibitions from small, niche events to larger cultural projects involving collaboration and partnerships with creatives and local organisations and institutions. She operated Studio 14 in Paisley providing adult and youth art classes, annual exhibitions and special projects for over 12 years. Caroline is a Board Director for Creative Renfrewshire, a network organisation that strives to connect, inspire and ampifly the creativity and culture of the region. Caroline has developed an interest in geopoetics recognising its potential influence intellectually and creatively for her own work. A member of the Scottish Centre for Geopoetics, she is part of the editorial team for its journal, Stravaig.