An introduction to my current practice

Winged Casket. Artwork of Victorian style casket box with bird wings, by contemporary Scottish artist Margaretann Bennett.

Winged Casket Monotype on paper

In recent years my working methods have changed considerably. This may not be immediately apparent to the viewer, but for myself it’s been a significant personal quest.

I’ve never been content to settle on a ‘style’ or subject matter, when I know I’ve barely scratched the surface of my capabilities and ideas. The last couple of years have seen me continue learning my craft through exhaustive experimentation with my materials and techniques, in order that I may express the essence of my subject matter through the most personal form of mark making possible. I will add that this has not occurred because of the global pandemic, but irrespective of it.

Experimentation in my studio is a process of dedication that doesn’t always make for finished work, and so the images on this page are very much work in progress. New work will be added when complete. In the meantime please check my archives or purchase links for available work.

Rooted Tomb. Artwork of Victorian tomb with scratched, crusty surface and roots reaching down. Monoprint on paper by contemporary Scottish artist Margaretann Bennett.

Rooted Tomb Monotype on paper.

I came across an abandoned tomb in the ancient Howff Burial Ground in Dundee, Scotland. The earth had come away in places beneath the tomb’s foundations, exposing them like roots into the ground. The idea fascinates me that there’s a tug of war going on within the dead spirit… a reaching down into the bowels of the earth, and yet the tomb pinnacles remain upright, resolute toward the heavens.

Seabird Wings. Sketchbook work, pencil drawing of bird wings with bones exposed, by contemporary Scottish artist Margaretann Bennett.

Seabird Wings Sketchbook work

I find myself exploring a renewed passion for sketching, which goes beyond the purely observational… it’s more a feel thing.

Sooty Gravestone Monotype on paper

Crusty Tombstone. Painting depicting Victorian style, crumbling gravestone with mossy texture. Oil on paper by contemporary Scottish artist Margaretann Bennett.

Crusty Tombstone Oil on paper

I’m fascinated with decaying tombstones, where the inscription has sometimes worn or peeled off entirely, leaving a blank plate or empty ‘screen’. This image also reminds me of an antique gothic mirror and I love how there’s ambiguity there.

Spidery Rooted Tomb. Artwork depicting sinister, Victorian style tombstone with sooty texture and roots reaching down into the earth. Monoprint on paper by contemporary Scottish artist Margaretann Bennett.

Spidery Rooted Tomb Monotype on paper

Woman with Clasped Hands. Digital drawing of seated female figure with distorted limbs. This work by contemporary Scottish artist Margaretann Bennett creates a dreamlike, ethereal atmosphere around the figure.

Woman with Clasped Hands Digital drawing

I have enjoyed embracing technology these days in order to progress my ideas. This is quite a feat coming from someone who refused to engage with social media until fairly recently!

Rooted Tomb on Pink. Monoprint on paper, artwork depicting crumbling Victorian tombstone with scratchy texture by contemporary Scottish artist Margaretann Bennett.

Rooted Tomb on Pink Monotype on paper

A variation on the crumbling ‘rooted’ tomb in The Howff Burial Ground.

 
Winged Stone. Artwork depicting Victorian style, crusty old gravestone with wings. Monoprint on paper by contemporary Scottish artist Margaretann Bennett.

Winged Stone Monotype on paper

I couldn’t help thinking while I was creating these studies that many tombstones resemble the human form. The tall, upright ones, boldly reminding us of the significance the deceased individual had in the living world. I do believe this one appears to have ‘hips’ and that got me musing as to whether graves and tombs could take on a sense of gender.

 
Midnight Stone. Artwork depicting Victorian style gravestone with rustic texture against a velvet black sky. Monoprint on paper by contemporary Scottish artist Margaretann Bennett.

Midnight Stone Monotype on paper

To go beyond these images to an abstract form intrigues me. The subject matter is beautiful in itself, though not for everyone… but I am totally enthralled and cannot help but want to remind you that the Victorians created their gravestones as sculptural works in their own right, to adorn the cemetery ‘gardens’ and be enjoyed and appreciated by all.

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