Emma McLellan

Emma McLellan is a lecturer here at MSVA and teaches the DVA students. Her interest in Animals, Patterns and Genetic Engineering is evident in her works we saw today. A strong influence from William Morris and Konrad Gesner help add the fantasy element to her unique "painted prints"

Layering is a technique that McLellan uses in each of her works we saw today. Layering of media, pattern and colour. This connects to McLellans interest of Genetic Engineering (as she told us in our lecture today). Animal modification and the creation of fanatical beasts is made from layering one animal with another. A Chickens head, with a Rats tails on a Sheep's body. Much like how genetically modified animals are created. This is typical of the McLellan style and taste we witnessed today, McLellan herself saying she "loves fantasy creatures"

Konrad Gesners 'book of beasties' is a book McLellan uses a lot in research for her works. Sometimes also uses Gesners images as found images to use in her work. Cutting and pasting to create new and improved beasties from his ones

Another aspect McLellan is fond of is the idea of cloning, which I guess fits in well with Genetic Engineering and McLellans love of pattern (William Morris) Cloning is much like pattern, our genetic makeup is a code, which could also be referred to as a pattern. So in a way, us as people are connected with wallpaper and genetically modified animals..?

William Morris was an English furniture and textiles designer mostly famous for his wallpaper designs, which most were based on nature, looking intricately at the detail is natures plants. He is a big influence in McLellans works, and this is evident when looking at her art works of which we saw today. McLellan uses Morris' style of subtle colours which are allowed to fade into the background.Creating a muteable setting. McLellan uses imagery much like Morris. Creating patterns based from natures objects and overlaying then with fanatical beasts.

What I like about McLellans work, is how she has taken objects and design from the 1800's, and created futuristic pieces of art. With McLellans interest in animals, genetics and cloning, it is no wonder her works are so incredibly intriguing.