Miriam Innes

BIOGRAPHY

Miriam Innes is noted for her bold, dynamic and large charcoal drawings executed on canvas and paper. The exaggerated perspective and tonal precision of her pieces is produced by utilising charcoal, one of the most elemental of materials.

Innes was born in 1979 and grew up on a farm in a rural area of the west of Ireland. She spent her childhood immersed in rolling hills, rivers and forest land.  Inspiration was abundant and creativity developed from an early age.  Innes’ thirst for big adventures commenced in 2003, after completing her bachelor degree in Fine Arts and journeying to Sydney.

From there she has been travelling the world spending time in Asia, the United States, Europe and the Middle East, eventually settling in Brisbane, Australia. She has drawn on cities' respective architectures for inspiration and is endlessly discovering the abilities of her medium. On returning from Dubai in 2011 Innes paused her professional practice to concentrate on the care of her young family.

 In July 2016, Innes commenced the ‘Spheres + Grids’ series of work, it was the catalyst for the return to her studio practice.    

Innes is currently focused on a series of New York large scale drawings, her most recently completed work a New York street scene of various quintessential New York buildings, the final piece spans 4 metres (12 feet) in length. She intends to build on this work and advance her scale further. 

Innes continues to push the limits of her medium, mastering and controlling its yielding disposition to produce her charcoal pieces with continsistent dynamic results.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Awareness of contrast and perspective in various environments is an essential part of me and the work I produce. The medium, subject-matter, scale and environment all depend and rely upon contrast and perspective to result in a positive outcome.

A juxtaposition of different forms, lines, textures in the drawings intensifies the properties of each element which then look to produce a dynamic result.

Take for example Shadows and Bricks. The smooth reflective pane of glass in the window contrasts with the rough brick work of the building. The dark mat leaning against each other on contrasting angles and the exaggerated texture in the work segregates the smooth white gallery walls which adds to the bold dynamics of the work.

I am forever seeking a more dynamic and more contrasting perspective in my work. My investigation of New York buildings, architecture and various surfaces as a subject matter continues its journey. Refining my drawing skills and a deep rooted pursuit of mastering the complexities of charcoal has become an endless but rewarding quest.

Miriam Innes CV