Amie Haslen ASWLA

Statement

I am a painter and printmaker working in Suffolk, drawing inspiration from the land, gardens and buildings.

All of the scenes that I have chosen to depict are locations that are meaningful, in terms of identity and sense of place. They are places I have discovered or known well and love dearly.

Starting with sketches and notes made on location, I use these as reference when developing finished pieces in the studio. When painting, I’m not trying to achieve incredible detail of a place but more trying to find its character and vitality. The prints are developed through a combination of relief printing techniques, building up layers of colour. The inherent qualities of my materials are exploited to create dramatic and expressive images.

Born in 1991, I have lived in Suffolk all my life. With the exception of studying Fine Art at Aberystwyth University in Wales where I was deeply inspired by the rugged, dramatic landscape and seascape. I grew up surrounded by artists, with artist parents running a local gallery. At University I specialised in printmaking, concentrating on woodcuts and lithography, sometimes combining the two. From the graduate show, I was selected to exhibit in ‘Graduate 13’, an exhibition at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff.

I now work from my garden studio at home and show my work in a selection of galleries and exhibitions.

Nature is increasingly a very important aspect in my work, especially the smaller creatures we share our green space with. Butterflies, moths and other insects are so fascinating. Combined with the beautiful and structural wildflowers and meadows, I am continually inspired. I was lucky enough to be granted associate member status from the Society of Wildlife Artists annual exhibition this year (2024), something I feel very proud to be part of.