Mary Chamberlain

In my artwork,
I try to keep the air in it,
allowing space around marks
so they can breathe.

The relationship between the marks made and the challenge of the background surface and the surrounding negative space is integral to this process.

Looking to imbue pieces with a sense of movement and held dynamism, my work often draws inspiration from the fragility and strength of nature as a motif.

Ways of movement

I am interested in the fracturing and separation of line and form as well as the composition of marks on paper and canvas to create a sense of movement in and for the viewer. My work often plays with qualities of light, presence, absence and negative space - under the larger concern of capturing movement and stillness, ephemerality and permanence.

This exploration of ways of depicting movement and presence has taken me on a journey with the materials I use. Focussing on vellum and parchment, surfaces which are dynamic by nature, there is an extra resonance with my own interests.

Photo credit: Paul Lewis 2022

 

Mary Chamberlain studied at Wimbledon School of Art and has exhibited widely. Her work is held in public and private collections.

Recent exhibitions include Material World at St John’s College (Oxford November 2024) and the Fry Art Gallery Annual Sale (Saffron Walden 2024).

 
 
Somehow her work is both effortlessly light and also serious in its scientific accuracy. It’s rare for someone to enter our home and not comment on the beauty of the mural — it brings us joy and calm and wonder. I loved working with Mary on the concept, she is a collaborator at her core … The whole process was inspiring and magical
— Dr Jasmine Hyman, Climate and Biodiversity Practitioner and recent buyer