Interference Patterns

Interference Patterns is a series of prints that examines the interplay between structure and fluidity, exploring the transformation of lines into waves through moiré patterns and water ripple distortion. Playing with different papers and processes, this series evolved from ideas around pure tones and silence, movement and stillness, and how microscopic moments of kinetic energy can be captured and transformed.

In physics, interference patterns occur when two or more waves overlap and combine to form a new wave pattern. This phenomenon is illustrated through the moiré patterns in the overlapping prints, introducing elements of unpredictability to the otherwise precise lines. The intensity of these moiré patterns change by adjusting the angle of the displaced second layer, with some patterns controlled by the artist, and some left to chance.

By filming water in a glass bowl passing over straight lines drawn on paper, the lines become distorted and animated in slow motion, capturing an endless array of warped compositions. The artist selected frames from these videos to print, and experimented by layering different combinations of frames in various arrangements. The process of meticulously printing and layering these images is inherently lengthy and repetitive, contrasting sharply with the fleeting, ephemeral moments they depict.

Interference Patterns highlights the tension between chance and control, as well as the persistent effort to capture and create something tangible from transient moments. By employing mindfulness, these tensions are not only managed but embraced as part of the process.

About The Mindful Printmaker

The exhibition showcases the work of students of Leicester Print Workshop’s long form course Mindful Printmaker lead by artist Sumiko Eadon. In the course which took place from August 2023 to June 2024, the students engaged in group crit, research sharing, learning printmaking techniques and book/box making. Alongside this, they produced multiple works using the free studio hours entitled to them. The resulting works explore silence, repetition, slowness, meditativeness and attentive ways of making.