PRUSSIAN BLUE SERIES
Dawn Mills is an artist and printmaker based in St Bees.
Her Prussian Blue Series is an exploration of the interplay between painting and printmaking and allows her to demonstrate the expressive potential of monotype printmaking technique.
Capturing the essence of living on the West Cumbrian coast, she is inspired by the sea views and her experiences in the Lake District.Her work often includes imagery such as the Castlerigg stone circle.
By bringing a painterly approach to printmaking, she embraces the freedom of mark-making while reflecting the energy and imagery of her local landscape. Her unique technique evokes the landscape in an accessible and distinctive way.
Dawn strives to infuse a connection to spirit and mystery in her work, capturing the illusion and perception of what is seen and what is represented. Through her art, she invites viewers to explore the deeper layers of nature's beauty and the enigmatic qualities of the landscape.
Her use of a limited colour palette, primarily Prussian Blue, pays homage to the rich history of this pigment in art. This choice reflects a nod to traditional practices while infusing a modern approach, creating a bridge between past and present. The simplicity of this reference honours the continuum of art history, blending historical resonance with contemporary expression.
Prussian Blue played a crucial role in Japanese woodblock printing, introduced to Japan in the early 19th century by Dutch traders. Its vivid, long-lasting nature was embraced by Japanese artists like Hokusai, who used it in his "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji," including "The Great Wave off Kanagawa."
In contrast, Dawn Mills uses monotype printmaking, creating unique, singular impressions that emphasise spontaneity and individuality. While traditional Japanese woodblock printing involved precision and multiple prints, Dawn's technique allows for expressive freedom.
Dawn is one of the original founders of Cumbria Printmakers, where she collaborates with fellow artists to promote printmaking and foster a vibrant artistic community in the region.
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