Alison Berrett OAS – Oxfordshire Artweeks

188 Alison Berrett OAS

Region: Eynsham – North & West

Artform: Drawing, Mixed Media, Painting

Alison’s work expresses a deep wonder for the physical world. Sunrises, sunsets, seasons, weather, changes in colour, movement and light, captivate her curiosity.
Her work is a result of observations both conscious and subconscious over years, including patterns and lines made by waves as they sweep across the sand and back out again, marking time, beautiful in their transience. The energy of waves and clouds have been a source of inspiration since she began painting at art college in Exeter in the 1980s/ 90s.
The effects of nature’s cycles and their connection with time, are recorded in her work using pastels, paint and charcoal, often creating many small works on paper outside in different locations.
Each drawing might have layers of the marks left by waves on the sand, the changing shapes of clouds or leaves in the wind. These marks and colours become the starting point for larger paintings in oil or acrylic which take on metaphorical meanings of their own but remain anchored to nature’s influence. Memories of places which have made an impression on her sometimes come to the surface in a surprising way. Areas of light depict a feeling of hope even in her darkest work.
She recently successfully applied for DYCP funding from Arts Council England and is working on an exploratory project about the origins of her love for the natural world. Alison works outdoors and in her studio at home in Oxfordshire. She also tutors at Sunningwell School of Art.