About

This solo show by Kirstie Adamson is a continuation from an exhibition she curated last year – Fairy tales, Myths & Legends which featured work by members from EcoCreate, an eco-friendly handmade art and craft network.

Her new work will relate to roleplay, nursery rhymes, film and fantasy. Kirstie comments: “It is intentional that the method used is not instantly obvious. At first glance it is often assumed that I have used paint and only on closer inspection does it become apparent that the piece consists entirely of ripped and cut magazines. The intention is to challenge our perceptions. Highlighting how small changes in our methods and materials can enhance our work while reducing impact.”

“I purposely depict precious moments in time, capturing in essence my main drive in pursuing environmentally friendly practices. What is precious to us is worth protecting and the greatest motivation is working for those we love.”

The pieces also explore the idea that ignorance is bliss and it is easier to pretend than to accept reality. To challenge climate change denial and to stress the need to protect our children’s futures.

Kirstie was introduced to the technique of magazine collage art at college in 1994 when she was asked to collage a still life using newspapers. While studying for her degree in Applied Arts at the University of Derby she specialised in reclaimed metal and her love of upcycling was born.

In 2007 she started Trash Revamp with fellow upcyclers, a networking group for artists and crafters who use reclaimed, recycled and waste products in their creations. Kirstie comments: “We had an exhibition to promote the group and this marked the turning point in my artwork. I created two magazine collages, ‘Rainy Day’ and ‘Starry Night’ both of which sold. I really enjoyed creating these pieces, I was hooked!”

It was with fellow Trash Revamper Charlotte Rhoades that Kirstie officially launched EcoCreate in March 2014; Kirstie had been blogging using this name for a while and slowly building up a directory of eco-friendly suppliers and makers. Charlotte came on board alongside the addition of their marketplace and helped turn EcoCreate from a hobby into a business.

Kirstie’s exhibition is open week days 10am-3pm from 4-29 September at Banks Mill Studios, 71 Bridge Street, Derby, DE1 3LB. To guarantee entry please ring 01332 597866 before your visit.

You can meet Kirstie at her launch event on Saturday, 2 September from 5.30-8.30pm.

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