Meet The Artist
Emily Harvey
I am a printmaker, currently working with collagraphs and monoprints as well as running courses and workshops.
I am interested in connections and cycles in the natural world and the way things influence and balance each other. I aim to evoke an atmosphere, simplifying an idea to find its essence, so while the images may become fairly abstract they all refer to something concrete as a starting point.
Both the printing plates and the actual finished prints are made up of many layers, and this idea runs through much of my work; overlaid layers of colour and texture mean that an apparently simple image takes on more subtle meaning as the different levels in the print combine to create depth and new connections.
I use sketches, photos and notes to capture ideas that form the starting point for a print; the final image emerges throughout the process of constructing the plate and inking it up.
I like to leave plenty of room for accidents and improvisation – for me that is what makes printmaking exciting and gives the images a spontaneous energy.
Biography
After leaving Dartington College of Arts in 1979 my life took a meandering route incorporating archaeology, organic farming and nature conservation, signwriting and graphic design. I eventually came to rest in Leeds where I co-founded SKIPPKO Arts Team in 1988 to develop a programme of combined arts projects with a wide range of community groups.
I worked for City of York Council for seven years, developing and managing the community arts service within the local authority, leaving in 2009 to return to the life of a freelancer.
I am currently developing my own printmaking studio practice, leading printmaking workshops and community projects and programmes of creative thinking workshops for businesses.
C.V.
Present: freelance artist
Developing own printmaking studio practice and leading printmaking workshops.
Community arts delivery and project management.
Teaching and training in arts development.
Exhibited and sold work as part of ‘5@51’ group and will be exhibiting in York Artist Open Studios in April 2010.
2007 – 2009: Arts and Events Manager, City of York Council
2004 – 2007: Arts Action Manager, City of York Council
2002 - 2004: Tang Hall Community Arts Development Worker, City of York Council
1988 – 2002: freelance + SKIPPKO Arts Team, Leeds.
1986 – 1988: freelance sign writer + community artist
Producing sets and signage for Bradford Festival and Bradford Community Art Centre. COPE Productions (Santa’s Grottoes) and Commercial Signs (shops, wagons etc). Arts workshops with Artlink West Yorkshire.
1984 – 1986: Crabapple Community, Shrewsbury
1982 – 1984: Graphic Designer - Urban Centre for Alternative Technology, Bristol
Designing and constructing permanent + temporary exhibitions promoting energy conservation and sustainable lifestyles in urban settings.
1980 – 1982: Archaeology, nature conservation, teaching in Cairo, travelling.
1977 – 1980: Dip HE Art and Design in a Social Context, Dartington College of Arts
1976 – 1977: Art Foundation Course, St Albans College of Art and Design
Training + qualifications
Dip HE Art and Design in a Social Context
City & Guilds Sign work
Clore Leadership short course
Managing for results II
CYC Recruitment and Selection
Prince 2 Project Management
Managing in the community Prof Dip
R.D. Coaching
York Accord Mentoring (3 years as mentor and mentee, including training)