Artist Interview: Gail Mason

Artist Gail Mason, winner of the St Cuthberts Mill Award prize at the Bath Society of Artists 116th Open Exhibition 2021 speaks to us about her printmaking process and what drives her creativity. 

Gail Mason at work in her studio

When did you first know you wanted to be an artist? 

As a troubled teenager it was the only thing that made any sense. 

What drives you to create art? 

It gives me a sense of self, and I want to be surprised by what emerges. I have a passion for gestural mark and colour. 

Who or what do you consider to be inspirations for your work? 

The landscape is a constant source of inspiration, although I do not sketch in situ I lived for many years in beautiful parts of the country, the love I have for it and the visceral memories of being in it come through when I start to paint. 

'Thicket' Monotype76x76cm,
Winner of the St Cuthberts Mill Award
at the Bath Society of Artists
Open Exhibition 2021

Can you tell us a little bit about creating your art piece? Where do you start? 

The landscapes I create are entirely imaginary spaces. I see those environments as metaphors for where I am at any given time, it may be a positive affirming space, a thoughtful space, an anxious space, a questioning space, a celebratory space, or simply a space that I hadn’t realised I wanted to explore. I’ll start with a mark and take it from there. It’s more of a conversational journey than a carefully devised outcome

Can you tell us about one technique that has stood out the most in helping you create art? 

As a painter printmaker, the parameters of a particular technique are always a welcome challenge to explore. I don’t work in traditional screen print, although I think approaching a work as painter within a printmaking discipline has a freedom that I love. The concept of a monotype process where only one image is created holds a fascination for me. I love the element of risk and anticipation, allowing happenstance to occur, responding to marks and colour in an intuitive rather than cerebral way. 

'Bolero' Monotype 76x56cm

What is the best piece of art advice you have ever been given? 

‘Throw your mistakes over your shoulder’ meaning don’t dwell on them but accept that making them is a valuable part of learning and developing. There are no failures! If things don’t work out as expected that is fine, just try it again with that particular knowledge and a fresh variation to the approach.

'Squall' 76x30cm Awarded Prize of Excellence
Clifton Art Club 111th Open Exhibition 2021

‘Promise’ monotype 76x30 mixed media

What colour palettes are you drawn to and why? 

Colour is so important to me. The choices I make depend almost entirely on my mood and the weather! At times I mix colours that are quite reserved and muted, but I enjoy my work most when I use enlivening colour combination, such as a deep peachy pink and rich dark olive green with a splash of celestial blue /white, or a bright orange with a turquoise. 

What is your favourite piece you have created and why? 

My favourite pieces are those that fall out of my brush and arrange themselves into a coherent space in front of me. I know then that I have been daydreaming, not being precious about the outcome, but open and willing to go on a journey.

What do you look for in a paper? 

I want something that is smooth, willing to take colour and mark in a way that enhances both, robust enough to withstand some physical abuse, not cockle, and have a sense of the handmade in it. I remember reading that if a child is given a quality paper it implies that others appreciate what they do. Hopefully they will cherish their process of making art and subsequently value the journey and results. As an adult I am able to support my practice by choosing to use paper that gives me a sense of investment in myself. I have been using Somerset Satin since I was first introduced to it at UWE during a Fine Art degree, it always feels special and precious. 

How do you know when a piece is finished? 

As I see it as long as the piece has integrity, reflect how I am feeling and has a sense of depth and invitation then that is fine. I don’t like overworking a piece, I would much rather leave some areas a little rough than tidy everything up to fit in a nice neat envelope!

Thank you so much to Gail for speaking with us and once again congratulations on winning the award. If you enjoyed getting to know Gail's process and looking at her work then please let us know in the comments below. 

To learn more about Gail Mason please visit her website:
www.gailmason.co.uk

Gail won the St Cuthberts Mill award at the Bath Society of Artists Open Exhibition 2021. Learn more about them here:
www.bsaorg.uk