Ange Mullins

As a visual artist I spend many hours outdoors with my thoughts turned toward a human and more-than-human connection. I explore this interconnectedness through material agency and embodied practice as I consider the ecology of my local landscape, scrutiny in both micro and macro, whilst physicality, materiality and agency are of similar importance in my creative practice. By exploiting all of our human senses, and through a direct manipulation of the material, I build a visual response encompassing the ephemerality of the natural world. Systematic research of materialism, accompanied by anthropological considerations feeds into my creative processes, leading to results considerate of an environmental biocultural relationship.

My practice begins with foraged organic materials from which I make my own inks. It is of personal importance to develop my own natural art materials where possible, with additional considerations of the paper and cleaning materials I use. I am also interested in alternative photography techniques such as soil chromatography, anthotypes and cyanotypes, which offer new ways in which to explore the connection between us and the natural world.

I vocalise my personal relationship and ongoing narrative with nature to inspire and encourage others to nurture a symbiotic relationship with nature. The natural world is of vital importance to the preservation of all species, as well as our health and wellbeing, and through my creative practice I hope to encourage fresh perspectives inspiring a reduced habituation whilst also challenging stereotypical anthropocentric narratives.

Making ink from organic materials opens a path of communication with the natural world that satisfies my sense of longing and of connection with the natural world to which I belong. Such biophilia cannot be easily explained, nor taken lightly, but rather it is the sense of belonging passed down to us from our prehistoric ancestors, and one that drives my creativity.