Kate Betts

Artist's Statement

 

Betts' work explores, amongst other things, the prevalence of modes of thought which rely on diametric opposition–such as the concepts of subjectivity and objectivity and the notion that there is a clear line between. The current, heated Creation-versus-Evolution stand-off is a particularly rich area of enquiry. She uses lines of symmetry in each piece as a metaphor for value-laden and dualistic debate. Her current 'Memento Mori' series is made of hundreds of individually handmade etchings. Betts is an accomplished draughtswoman and these incredibly detailed etchings are created by drawing from life. The various bones and other fauna specimens are etched, printed and cut out one-by-one, and pasted to create new contrasting images, often floral.

 

Biography

 

Born in Liverpool, Betts completed a BA (Hons) Degree in Fine Art at the University of Northumbria, Newcastle in 1995. Upon graduation Betts was awarded a membership bursary at Northern Print Studio in North Shields. She has exhibited widely in Ireland and abroad. Her work is represented in numerous private collections including National Concert Hall, Allied Irish Bank, Northern Rock and Office of Public Works.