Stephen Vaughen

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Stephen Vaughan
 
The act of making is a fundamental, indeed primary, human activity. Artistic endeavour as part of that activity functions to interpret, illuminate and transform the world we live in. My work examines the varied landscapes and environments both internal and external that mankind inhabits. I work with large plates using all the techniques of intaglio to create highly textured images. I like to think of this as "building" plates and in this sense there is a sculptural aspect to the work. It is an act of simulation. At times my prints have also approximated the characteristics of paintings. This transformation within the medium is of considerable interest to me.

My work is multifaceted culminating in the convergence of ideas, experiences, and events both current and historical. Anecdote plays a significant role in my work. The whole gamut of human kinds' trials and tribulations; successes and failures, are explored. Elements within some compositions reference architectural form, representing the structures that man has devised for a functional society and civilisation. Visualised, is the way in which humanity has imposed itself on the natural world. How exploited. Compositional elements that are organic or apparently chaotic portray an oppositional viewpoint; nature as adversary to human enterprise. It is in the tension between these two forces that I place my mark.
 

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