In 2018 I began a residency at Fermynwoods Contemporary Arts (Northamptonshire) in partnership with the Forestry Commission as part of a wider project entitled 'The Forest is the Museum'.

Initial research developed my understanding of the site as an area of ancient industry with iron smelters having been fuelled by the abundance of wood fuel from Rockingham Forest. My appreciation of the relationship between Oak and Ore developed further through an investigation of ink making and printing processes using locally sourced material.

By combining rust (from excavation machinery used in the quarrying process) along with oak tea (made from oak galls and bark) I developed a range of printing inks. These were then used to create klecksographic prints suggesting various life forms ranging from zoological specimens to human portraits.

My intention here is to discuss this body of work (presented to the public in December 2018 as an installation in the Arches space at Fineshade Wood) with a new audience, in a new context. Engaging participants through ink making and printing might enable an exchange of ideas, knowledge and stories - both real and imagined.