Wendy Rhodes Contrary to expectations

Wendy Rhodes’ etching practice comprises a visual exploration of the rural landscape in which she lives; a temporal and experiential representation that is inherent to all places.

Her process comprises a material engagement with a monochromatic palette in order to focus attention onto surfaces, structural elements, and leading lines. Rhodes’ etchings are an extension of drawing and provide her with the opportunity to build layers into her image making and explore rich organic textures. Her recent prints explore bridleways that are within walking distance of her home. She begins each print by repeatedly drawing a chosen location. She then takes the sketchbooks into the studio to translate into prints, using a combination of traditional intaglio methods and explorative mark making techniques on copper plates.

 

Rhodes graduated from UWE in 2012 with an MA in Multi-disciplinary Printmaking. In 2018 she completed her PhD, titled Drawing and Etching Place.

Rhodes has exhibited widely since 2018 in a number of independent shows and larger mixed exhibitions. Highlights include the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2023, Making Contact/Ta Kontakt in Stockholm and Cheltenham 2023, the Society of Women Artists, Wells Contemporary 2024 and winning the Ironbridge Fine Art Gunning Etching Press award in 2024.

Her work is held in many private collections.

 

Contrary to expectations

Things are not always what they appear, and life can throw gentle curveballs that bring a wry smile. I was amused by the positioning of the sign suggesting a left turn, when the lane clearly veered left. Other local people knew exactly the place once they took in the road sign. I hope the image and the title have a wider appeal, and resonate on many levels, beyond the literal application to this particular place.