Artist profile
Eira
Chidgey
Eira Chidgey is a mixed media abstract artist who draws inspiration from daily life and lived experiences. A background in textile design and a first class honours degree in Contemporary Applied Arts have created a love of surface texture resulting in multi layered works often featuring found materials and stitch. She has been included in several group and solo shows in the UK and Australia.
Inspired by daily life and lived experiences, Eira responds to the world around her by building colour, shape and surface texture meditatively and intuitively; ambiguous marks allow the viewer freedom for their own interpretation based on personal experience, while partially submerged forms within the many layers hint at the artists subconscious thoughts and experiences. Eira's approach to mark making is experimental and playful, resulting in energetic and lighthearted works that seek to generate an appreciation for everyday life and simple pleasures.
Career Highlights
- Solo exhibition at Leda Gallery, Newcastle West, in July 2024
- Exhibiting in the group exhibition Clouds 3, at Newcastle Art Space, curated by Lisa Faulkner
- Exhibiting in the opening show Fear-less, at Pseudonym Gallery, Wickham
Artist Interview
What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?
I gravitate towards acrylic paint because I work quickly and like to build layers and it dries relatively quickly. I often experiment with surface manipulation by adding found materials and stitch. I generate mark with a variety of tools to create surface pattern and texture, often removing or rearranging the layers to reveal those underneath.
How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?
I don't overthink the final outcome of my work… It's all about the process of experimentation and exploration, eventually a piece resolves itself. It may lead to further investigation of ideas or initiate a completely new direction. I am always responding to daily life.
Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?
I have a studio at the bottom of the garden, which enables me to work around and with my three young children.
