Elaine Kowalsky (1948- 2005) was born in Canada but lived in London’s East End for 25 years. An accomplished printmaker skilled in numerous techniques, she was also a tireless campaigner on behalf of artists. Characterised by bold, dynamic mark-making, her characterful prints were dominated by the female figure, but animals and objects of desire such as shoes and china pieces (which she collected with a passion) also featured. Often printed or painted over collaged backgrounds – for example newspaper pages - she often incorporated witty, hand-written text into her pictures, offering a unique commentary on the world around her.
