Interview
Dorothy Morris
Dorothy Morris is a professional artist based in picturesque Ferryside. She has a BA in Textiles ATC and taught part time for many years. She has a M.A. in Fine Art and was a community tutor for Trinity College Carmarthen. She has exhibited extensively throughout Wales, and the UK and abroad. She’s not afraid of experimenting. Dorothy works in a wide variety of materials and techniques.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I studied Textiles in Birmingham and have a degree in Fashion and Textiles. I went on to do an Art Teachers Certificate and worked in both mainstream and community education. I studied Fine Art at the Swansea Metropolitan University in 2000 and have spent my live either teaching or creating my art.”
What inspires you?
“Living in a beautiful environment here in Wales by the Towy Estuary, I am best know for my images of the Seine net Fishermen. The landscape of Wales is so under rated and its truly beautiful I feel so grateful to live here and record it through my art. My last trip to Snowdonia is the inspiration for my newest work. However, I am I inspired also by my extensive travels and social events.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My underlying message is to capture moments of sheer beauty. To sometimes record social events. To capture memories of the land and people I meet in my travels. The natural world, the light on the estuary , the moods and atmosphere of our changeable weather all help inform my work. I wish to share my sheer love and awe of the world we live in.”
“My underlying message is to capture moments of sheer beauty.”
How would you describe your work?
“People tell me my work is beautiful, sometimes with hard hitting messages. I would describe it as mainly capturing the mood and patterns of our landscape . I would also say it was surprising or unpredictable as I often experiment with various styles, techniques and materials.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Oh, there are so many! Paul Clee, John Singer Sargent, Mark Chagel, Gustav Klimt, a Polish sculptor - Magdalena, Elizabeth Frink, Kapoo, John Piper.”
What is your creative process like?
“It simmers for a long time waiting to bubble up. I usually have a theme, the next exhibition is based on my visit to Snowdonia. If I'm struggling with it then it's usually a bad piece of work. It seems to be intuitive, when it flows without me struggling then I'm usually happy with it. It mainly seems to come from my unconscious mind with just enough thought to compose it.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“For me, my role was to educate. I taught women to make school uniforms in Malawi. I ran community classes based on environmental issues. Worked with carers, people with mental health issues helping them to express themselves through their art when words seemed inadequate. The role of the serious artist goes beyond producing a product for financial gain but to reflect, or prophecise disturb, enjoy, amuse or educate. The artist role is incredibly varied and complex, an important part of humanity.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My exhibitions include East meets West The Nacrasov Museum in Saint Peterburg a group exhibition with both Welsh and Russian artists. Life on the Estuary at The National Waterfront Museum in Swansea celebrating the ancient art of Seine net Fishing. Appearing on Sky Arts 2018 at Studley Water park.”
Website: www.dorothymorris.co.uk
