Seabirds/Seacliffs/Sea, mixed media on paper, 56 x 76 cm
The Space Between – an exhibition of new work by Kittie Jones
‘I wanted to say these things and to record what I have seen to remind ourselves that – in our haste – in this century – we may not give time to pause and look – and may pass on our way unheeding.’ Mary Newcomb
The Space Between refers to the liminal spaces where human life diminishes and the natural world comes into its own. The coast is often where you find these edgelands – steep cliffs and unpredictable seas mean human development is held back and the natural world can fully occupy a location.
Redshanks, screen print, 28 x 38 cm
There has been a lot of focus recently on the impact humans are having on our planet. I am witness to this as I sit and draw. I regularly see nests made out of plastic and dead birds strangled or starved due to getting caught up in some form of discarded human waste. My work seeks to draw attention to the wonders of the natural world, in order to encourage people to consider how and why we should protect it.
Feeding Curlew, monotype, 60 x 42 cm
Part of my drive is to document and celebrate the overlooked – much of my time in the landscape is spent looking out from spaces that are tucked away, out of sight of most human activity. I seek places where I can view the dynamic natural environment without being noticed.
Snipe and lapwing, mixed media on paper, 24 x 37 cm
On drawing trips I will settle in a promising spot and start to develop work from there. The energy in the drawings comes from the constantly changing elements of the natural world – birds moving in and out of vision and the shifting quality of weather and light. My attempts to capture the change are what interests me, as well as my enchantment with a world which, as a human, I will only ever occupy the edge of.
Kittie, working on the Shiant Islands, May 2017
I have been lucky enough to visit a number of locations to draw over the last couple of years including the Shiant Islands, the Shetland Islands, the Isle of May and the Bass Rock. I am also very inspired by my local Lothian coastline where in amongst the towns and villages there is a rich and diverse natural ecology.
Coastal kingfisher, screen print, 34 x 61 cm
‘I believe in the sort of emotion that you get from what your eyes see.’ Joan Eardley
Flying Creatures 
These are all so lively!
Kittie I adore your spontaneous style, so much energy and movement. Is it chalk pastels you use, dont of course reveal any top secrets. I share your love of nature and love of the west highlands, i guess you will have visited the wonderful handa island where birds still rule! Thankyou for your stunning images, i can feel the salt breeze burning my cheeks!
Hi Steve, great to hear from you and thanks for your enthusiasm for my work! I have been to Handa Island but only briefly – I’d love to go back for a few days to get some drawing done there…hmmm, you’ve got me thinking about that. I use a mixture of chalk pastels and compressed charcoal mainly, sometimes black indian ink and gouache as well – I like to use materials that are easy to transport and allow me to respond to the constantly changing landscapes and habitats where I draw. Hope that helps!
I spent a full day there and thought it a magical place, hope you make it back. I was interested in your style and materials as i sometimes feel bogged down with too much detail and fussiness rather losing the fun of working quickly. Thankyou for your reply