Aquatint etching on paper
42cm x 43cm
‘This outstanding etching recalls the work of the late, great, Norman Ackroyd RA, yet maintains its own strong individual character. With impressive economy of means and subtly varied tones , it evokes, seemingly effortlessly, the varied hard and soft textures of rock, snow water and overcast sky to convey at powerful impression of an inhospitable yet awe inspiring terrain.’
Anne Desmet RA
‘It’s an honour to be awarded this New Light Art bursary prize, and in particular to be selected by Anne Desmet RA. As a printmaker, to have the work singled out by such a significant, and inspirational, figure in contemporary printmaking is really special. I will look forward to putting the prize to good use in making a new body work over the coming year.’
Ian Brooks
Ian Brooks divides his time between art and science. As a printmaker he is self-taught – encouraged to try etching by a friend and fellow artist, he found a medium perfectly matched to his preference for drawing over painting. Working from a home studio he makes etchings of landscape, aiming to evoke the sense of place unique to a specific location and point in time, responding to the weather as much as the geography. Much of his work has focused on the polar regions where he has worked extensively as an academic scientist, conducting research on climate processes.
Ian was awarded the 2020 New Light Printmaker’s Prize, the Original Print Prize at the ING Discerning Eye exhibition 2020, and the People’s Printmaker prize by vote of visitors to the Flourish Award for Excellence in Printmaking exhibition, 2022.