Description

Sarah Gillespie, Hebrew Character Moth, a limited edition mezzotint, 2019. This delicate creature is part of a series of 20 images of  common British moths. While they do appear regularly in Britain, now they are sadly all in danger.

Over a year, Sarah Gillespie became fascinated by moths – these delicate and much misunderstood creatures and observed her subjects in enormous and careful detail.  She has become concerned at the 30% losses  in moth populations, which are greater than for any other species. This has happened because we are just so ignorant about moths.

The artist’s mission is to help us to see her moths more clearly. So, as a viewer, you will be well rewarded. The images repay endless close scrutiny. They are subtle and made with such a light touch seeming to flicker like the creatures they represent. Mezzotint is a difficult and specialised technique, and as a result, the prints are all in small editions.

Sarah Gillespie is an exhibitor in Bugs Beauty and Danger, where she is showing 14 of her moth images. You can read more about her and the context in which we are showing her work.  https://www.groundworkgallery.com/exhibition/current-exhibition/

A new interview with the artist

Read an in-depth interview with Sarah Gillespie by writer Karen Eng. https://groundworkgallery.com/sarah-gillespie/

Some details about Hebrew Character Moths

Description The typical form of this common species has a distinct black mark on the forewing that is unique among spring-flying moths, but in northern parts, this mark may be the same as the ground colour, or paler.
Wingspan 30-35 mm
Habitat This moth spends the winter as a pupa in an underground cocoon, with the adult fully formed inside. The caterpillars can be found between April and July, feeding mainly at night on the buds and then the leaves of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants including Birch, Aspen and Oak.
Adults fly late in the night, even in cold conditions and can be seen feeding at sallow blossom, also regularly attracted to light and sugar. They are common and widespread in England, Wales and Scotland.