Mari French

Biography

The inspiration for Mari French's energetic, yet intimate works can range from the wild expanse of the Norfolk saltmarsh coast, to the dramatic industrial ruins of a Cornish tin mine. She abstracts her paintings to the essences of pattern, texture and sophisticated colour in her multi-layered pieces, resulting in lush, evocative works. Light and atmospherics are significant factors in her finished artworks. Paintings are built up through layer upon layer of acrylic and mixed-media. Her technique of layering and scratching out to expose the under-painting, adds to the visual intensity experienced by the viewer, suggesting a sense of geological time passing. Mari French was born in the UK and studied art and design at Stockport College in the 1980s, then worked as a graphic designer for many years. In 1995 she relocated to the Isle of Skye where she lived and worked as a graphic designer and artist until 2009. Now in Norfolk, she works full-time as a contemporary mixed-media artist. She was a finalist in The Sunday Times Watercolour Competition 2014. French exhibits widely and her work is held in private collections throughout the UK, Europe and USA. A selection of her work can be seen at Burnham Grapevine Gallery, Norfolk and at Thompsons, Aldeburgh. To arrange a studio visit please email [email protected] or ring 07990 963288. SELECTED EXHIBITIONS: Art Fair East, Norwich, 2015 Thompsons Gallery, Aldeburgh, 2014 Burnham Grapevine, Burnham Market, Norfolk (solo), 2013 Greyfriars Art Space, Kings Lynn (solo), 2013, 2014 Highgate Contemporary Art, London (two artist show), 2012 Assembly House, Norwich (solo), 2011 Halesworth Gallery, Suffolk, 2011 Lime Tree Gallery, Fort William, 2008 Fotheringham Gallery, Stirling, 2008 Inchmore Gallery, Inverness (solo), 2007 An Tuireann Arts Centre, Isle of Skye, 2007 Plockton Gallery, Wester Ross, Scotland, 2006, 2007 AWARDS: Residency, Stiwdio Maelor, Corris, Wales. 2015 Residency, Brisons Veor Trust, Cape Cornwall. 2014 1st prize, Painting and Print Award, An Tuireann, Skye. 2004/2007