Rae Stevens
Degree: MA
University: Hereford College of Arts
Graduation Year: 2021
New Blood Art Commentary
Rae Stevens’s process in making this series of letterpress prints is one of deep involvement. It includes her 30 years experience as a nurse in the NHS, recent work researching with the Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, and an Albion Press which has been in use since Victorian times (you can see it pictured with the pieces). Each print features words of poetry by NHS staff who were on the frontline of the pandemic at its peak, alongside their names. Their words are offset by the simplicity of the print and the boldness of the colour, marking a tribute to, as well as a record of, the momentous undertaking of the NHS in our time.
At first sight, the connection of this series to her two piece sculpture ‘Anamnesis’ is not immediately obvious; but the title translates as recollection, and is used as a term for a patient’s account of their medical history. In this large aluminum sculpture the detached elements orient themselves toward and away from each other, expressing order and disorder in memory and centering the resilience of countless people’s efforts.
Artist Statement
Whilst I have always had an interest in Art, I came to it more seriously later in life. Having spent thirty years in the NHS as a clinician and in management, I went on to study for my BA (Hons) Fine Art at Hereford College of Art. I was lucky enough to be given the Sidney Nolan Trust Award on graduation and a residency at The Rodd in 2021. 2021/2022 saw me return to Hereford College of Arts for my MA in Fine Art. The last two years have seen my Fine Art practice developing in new ways. My work still has a narrative to it, although this is now often more concerned with inter-human relationships, sometimes informed by my NHS or personal experiences. Much of my work is now 3D and often takes the form of small sculpture. My 2D work continues but is now increasingly the preparatory or supporting work for sculptural works.
Some of my work relates to my recent research on Trauma Theory and the nature of traumatic witnessing. I worked alongside staff from Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge; examining what healthcare professionals worked through during the pandemic; the nature of their experiences and how they process them. This links to my time spent working with patients during the AIDS epidemic in 1980s London. It culminated in a large scale sculpture, which was shown at Canwood gallery and also associated prints created on a Victorian Albion press which depicted lines from poetry written by the hospital staff.
Group Exhibitions
(2021) From Recognisable Sources, Canwood, Herefordshire
(2020) Visions, Maylords, Hereford
(2020) Jungle, Blue Ginger Gallery, Herefordshire
(2020) Unlocked, Hereford College of Arts, Hereford
(2019) Drawn Together, Long Gallery, Malvern School of Arts, Malvern
(2019) Three Magpies Exhibition of Small Art, Theatre of Small Convenience, Malvern
(2019) Ten, Long Gallery, Malvern School of Arts, Malvern
(2018) End of Year Show, Long Gallery, Malvern School of Arts, Malvern
(2018) Malvern Autumn Show, Royal Three Counties Show, Malvern
Competitions, Prizes & Awards
(2020) Sidney Nolan Trust Award