Annabel Gault

The landscape artist embarks on a new series in her Suffolk workspace. Words and photos: ANNE-KATRIN PURKISS

- Anne-katrin Purkiss

You are known as a landscape painter. Do you spend much time in your studio?

Yes. During the past three years, I have spent most of the time here. Normally, I work outdoors as much as I can and use the studio only in the winter months and as a ‘base camp’. But with my recent work, that has changed. It’s a new experience.

Can you tell us about the new work?

The pictures are pressings or rubbings from my plasters, it is a process that is closely related to printmaking.

What prompted you to break from painting and try a new technique?

I love images in black and white – for instance, charcoal drawings have always been a separate thread for me that is not really connected to painting. About four years ago, a sculptor friend invited me to her studio. We experimented there, and from her, I learned how to make plasters. The result is a mixture of both of our practices.

Can you explain the process you are using now?

I start with rolling clay out in large plates, that part is incredibly physical. Then I make drawings on these clay plates, and I take plasters from the clay. The pressings are done from these plasters, using normal printing ink.