ABOUT WORKING WITH ART
Welcome!
My name is Catriona McKell, and my work sits at the unique intersection of rigorous historical research, museum practice, and tactile eco-art.
My journey began as a History student at York St John University (2015–2018). There, I was trained to research, evaluate, and communicate complex narratives—skills you can see in my archived blog posts here, detailing my work with the Yorkshire Museum, the Ripon Workhouse, and the Richard III and Henry VII experiences. Fulfilling a life's ambition, I completed a Master’s in Museum Studies: Material Culture and Artefacts at the University of Glasgow, giving personalised public tours as a Student Educator. I then achieved a second Master’s in Medieval Studies at the University of York, mastering palaeography and Latin to interface directly with ancient manuscripts.
From Archives to Art
As an artist and museum studies graduate, I’ve noticed a frustrating trend: people look at a painting of an animal for two seconds, think "that’s nice," and move on. My work is designed to break that habit and force you to look closer.
I create tactile, multi-layered eco-art that translates cold scientific data into raw human emotion. My process mirrors my academic roots, starting with deep research into specific ecological crises, such as the deforestation threatening the Sumatran tiger. I build each piece intentionally using:
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Fluid watercolor backgrounds to set an atmospheric tone.
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Linoprinting, monoprinting, and acrylics to breathe life into the subjects.
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Raw materials like corrugated cardboard to mimic fragile, vanishing habitats.
The twist? Look closer and you will find stark, ink-printed data or newspaper typography embedded right into the texture—hard facts like "400 left in the wild." By hiding the data inside the art, I want to transform you from a passive viewer into an informed witness. We cannot protect what we choose to look past.
Looking Ahead & Community
This passion for animal narrative bridges my past and future: I intend to pursue a PhD in Medieval Bestiaries, aiming to make those historical, symbolic animal fables accessible to the modern public.
When I’m not in the studio or the archives, you can find me collaborating with local art groups, curating community exhibitions, playing my musical instruments, or volunteering.
Thank you for stepping into my world. I hope you enjoy exploring!
