In Kate Stephens’ sense-scape, time stands still, our hearts beating with the sounds and smells that assuage us from every quarter. As the light dims, finding ourselves in the intense and perilously uncertain world of the wild animal, we become just another creature amongst many. In the shimmering near-darkness, trees and bushes seem to pulsate with life and meaning. The murmur of a momentary breeze is as lovely as a sonnet; a steady wind amongst the dark arbours seems as powerful as a symphony.

In this enchanted but unsettling landscape, deer and the night creatures make their fleeting appearances, changing the liminal space they inhabit. Wraith-like, more sound than sight, more presence than being, the forest beasts seem to appear as chimeral spirits, and it is this wonder which Kate’s work seeks to explore.

The inspiration for this exhibition grew from visits to Knole Park in Kent and its surrounding woods, its ancient fallow deer herd, and the white hart, messenger from the other world, one who defies capture. The white dog appears in search of the hart, drawn by curiosity and desire into his mystic court.

About the artist:
Kate Stephens studied Fine Art at Staffordshire University, and at the Slade School of Fine Art, London. Her work is based on drawing and painting from life, driven by the intense presence of the subject. In the studio, new relationships are often struck up between different drawings which are then combined together in a new work. She has had several solo shows and participated in group exhibitions including The Discerning Eye at the Mall Galleries, and The Royal West of England Academy in Bristol. Kate runs monthly Oil Pastel Workshops at House of Denna, Woolwich Arsenal, and groups in people’s homes by arrangement. www.katestephensartist.com

For more details on courses and workshops please get in touch with Kate directly here and follow on Instagram @stephens.kate

Thames-Side Studios Lounge is located on the second floor of Unit 0 and open to all studio holders and by appointment. For non-studio holders please contact the artist here to arrange an appointment.