University of Bedfordshire   2008/2009

Eleanor Havsteen-Franklin

Eleanor Havsten-Franklin’s practice is concerned with exploring the potential of mark making through etchings using a variety of methods including traditional methods, reworking etchings into digital prints, as well as integrating other media such as sewing and drawing. The approach to the etching is highly tactile for example beating and hammering into the copper plates with found objects such as metal parts and ornaments, as well as using more traditional etching tools. The found objects which are used for the mark making often have personal associations and social narratives linked with them.

The philosophy of George Bataille (1896-1966) emphasised the significance of modern society overlooking the social and psychological diversity of human experience; particularly the discarded and random aspects. These ideas have influenced the artist’s approach and the choice of using found objects in her practice. In the etchings this concern also takes its form in an engagement with the unpredictable through the interplay between the drawn marks and the actual etching process where random marks are encouraged (foul biting). The actual foul biting creates marks that illuminate the molecular structure; alluding to subatomic deterioration and to the physical surface of skin. This interface is explored further through the use of sewing which creates a more complex texture such as in ‘Stitched Mantis Religiosa’ (etching/thread on Japanese paper). The stitching, together with the subject matter, brings with it associations relating to the skin literally being stitched in surgical procedures and to issues relating to gender and femininity. These ideas were further explored in a recent 3 D piece titled ‘My Grandmother’s Return to dell’ Accademia 2009’ (powder box, photograph, etching and thread).

The notion of exploring the unexpected in the printmaking process ties in with the subject matter of exposing and highlighting that which may appear to be insignificant and random, exemplified in the rediscovered discarded object and in the events that occur around us seemingly beyond jurisdiction but leaving a personal and societal imprint.

Eleanor's AA2A story was selected for our digital publication 'Time and Space - Celebrating 10 years of AA2A schemes'. Click to open Time and Space