During the MA course at Norwich University of the Arts, Catherine has been researching pattern, ornamentation and decoration through historical, archaeological, anthropological and artistic perspectives.

MA Fine Art work by Catherine Swain showing three little bronze horses, prancing on a rectangular bronze-coloured plaster plinth, positioned on a woad blue plinth.

During the Master’s project, she has been observing Iron Age Iceni artefacts in Museums and an Iron Age Iceni Camp in the Norfolk landscape. This research has led to practice-based outcomes using a variety of methods and materials through drawing and sculpting, where creative response and inspiration provide a platform for artistic contrast and discussion surrounding the subject.

MA Fine Art work by Catherine Swain showing three expanded drawings in white box frames. One patterned on cream cloth in black ink, one on cream paper in straight lines and circles in blues, and one on canvas in plaid pattern blues.

She plans to continue this research as new knowledge and skills have enriched her practice, providing further narratives and questions to be explored and shared.

MA Fine Art work by Catherine Swain showing cloth wall hanging of black ink drawings on cream cloth, in freeze style, with repeating and non-repeating patterns showing horses and scattered elements and motif shapes.
MA Fine Art work by Catherine Swain showing double sided repeating and non-repeating patterns in greys and yellows, layered beneath shiny Perspex that is curved on a crescent white plaster plinth held in place with magnets.
MA Fine Art work by Catherine Swain showing a wall mounted low relief white plaster cast disk of a prancing horse, with scattered elements, highlighted with woad blue colours.