This month dot-art speaks to artist Caroline Race.
Caroline Race is a painter and printmaker based in Liverpool. She trained in Fine Art at Bangor University and went on to finish her degree through The Wirral Met and John Moores. Caroline was trained by professor Mike Knowles and David Loten RCA, who attended art school in Paris. Caroline specialises in colour. Her work has been published in a-n Magazine Artist’s Newsletter
As well as specialising in oil on canvas/linen, Caroline also makes artist books which have been exhibited in America as well as this country.
Can you describe your style?
When painting, my style is that of a colourist/impressionist. I strive to create space and silence in my paintings; a sense of peace and reflection in a chaotic world. When printmaking, again it is about space and contemplation. A sense of place.
Which medium do you work with and what do you like about it specifically?
I work with oil on canvas or linen. I prefer linen as it connects well with my mark making. When printmaking, I use mostly intaglio relief inks on smooth printmaking paper. I create paper lithograph, collagraph and mixed media prints including chine colle and a la poupe methods. I use my love of colour in these processes.
Can you talk us through your process? Do you begin with a sketch, or do you just go straight in? How long do you spend on one piece? How do you know when it is finished?
When painting in oil, I always use my sketchbook in order to study the composition and simplify it. I may study this for a few days, then I will begin the painting. Sometimes they take a few days, sometimes weeks. When paper lithographing, this process begins with a photograph. If I am working on an outdoor space, light is crucial.
I go outdoors, study the space and take many photos. These are monochromed, flipped and worked on on my computer. I then have the images photocopied. They are taken to my studio and the lithograph process begins with soaking the image in gum arabic and inking it up with intaglio relief ink. After wiping down excess ink, it is then ready to be run through the printing press on a high pressure. the first couple of run throughs don’t generally pick up much detail. The third run through is usually the one I use. If relevant to the image, I use copper, silver or 24 carat gold leaf when the ink has dried; this can take up to three weeks.
I try not to overwork my paintings and paper lithographs. When I reach a certain point, I walk away and leave it for a day or two. I will then go back to it. Sometimes I will be satisfied with the results, and sometimes I will add to the work. I hate to overwork my pieces. I feel simplicity of colour and form speaks for itself.
When did you begin your career in art?
I have always been creative, ever since I can remember. However, I was not able to follow my passion until my 20’s. I stared my degree in Fine Art in 1999 and have been dedicated for the last 27 years.
Who or what inspires your art?
I have always admired The Pre Raphaelites and Impressionists. I admire their use of colour to create space and form. I am also inspired by the streets and surroundings of Liverpool. The architecture is beautiful. At night the city is a wonderful place to explore.
Why is art and creativity important to you?
Art satisfies my soul. I dream about images, composition and colour. I keep a notebook next to my bed and will make notes in the night about my thoughts and processes for my work. It is my life.
What do you gain from being a member with dot-art?
It has enabled me to exhibit my work this year. It has been wonderful to mingle with passionate and like minded members who take an interest in what I am doing as well as me seeing what others are doing in our dot-art community.
What does it mean to be an artist in the Liverpool City Region?
Liverpool is a lover of Art. It offers so many opportunities for artists. My grandmother was from Everton and my grandfather was a crane operator at Cammell Laird so there has always been a connection for me. Since the pandemic, I have been able to explore the city more, finding unusual places to visit, some of them underground. It is a fascinating city with a diverse history.
Discover more of Caroline Race’s work on our online shop!