Lucy Farley – Woodwose

From the Savernake Series, Woodwose is the companion print to ‘Woodswoman’,  – the female spirit, power and rebirth are depicted through the legend of a horsewoman, who is believed to haunt the ancient English Savernake Forest. The imagery and mythological references have evolved over time from Farley’s research into the depiction of ‘The Wild Woman’ in early Northern European engravings. The surface of the composition combines etching, linocut and monoprint in a rich mélange as it unites the artist’s own symbols and mythological interpretations.

For Lucy Farley, drawing from observation is key for the subject to evolve. As part of the explorative process. she combines printmaking and painting mediums, building up layers to reveal abstract forms. Places of historic interest, a landscape or townscape, often form the starting point for drawings. Events, history and mythology associated with place form the kernel of interest that evolves into motif. Farley is inspired by the British Neo–Romantics such as John Piper and Keith Vaughan, and the American Abstract Expressionists, specifically Richard Diebenkorn and Grace Hartigan.

Farley is of Danish and British heritage. She trained at the Royal College of Art. Her work has been acquired into the following collections: (London, UK) The Victoria and Albert Museum; The Royal College of Art; Guy’s and St Thomas Foundation; (UK) Pallant House Gallery, Chichester.