Gillian Cussen

Bio

Gillian Cussen graduated from MTU Crawford College of Art and Design with a BA(Hons) Fine Art in 2008 and a PGDE in 2009. She has worked as an artist facilitator on the Lonradh programme at the Crawford Art Gallery since 2011. During the pandemic Gillian made short videos online for Lonradh members which can be seen on the Crawford Art Gallery’s website.

Artist Statement

The garden is my main place of work. For the past three years, I have been experimenting and gathering rocks, clay, plants and wax from which I make unique coloured charcoals, inks, pastels, wax crayons and paints. I also use items from the kitchen compost bin such as avocados and from the refuse bin like unused makeup and slivers of old soap.  These items are made into art materials which are used in my drawings. I enjoy foraging for materials and the often-slow process of making sustainable and natural art materials. Some of the colours made are not lightfast, (permanency of pigments when exposed to light), and like most of the colours in the natural world, some can change over time. I enjoy this changeability but for some colours (e.g. from berries) which lose their vibrancy over time I add a mordant, such as vinegar, which helps maintain the hue. To date I have had one exhibition where all ten drawings were made using such materials. I am currently making various charcoals from willow, brambles, acorn caps and animal bones to use for portraits.  I like the subtle range of greys and blacks that can be created with homemade charcoals.

I think art (in all its forms) can move us to a sense of connection with the other animals and plants with whom we share the planet– and help prevent further exploitation and waste. My drawing and painting have made me look closer at the world around me and to view it with a sense of wonder.

Instagram @gillianoc48

Website www.gilliancussenart.com

Membership: Backwater Artists Network