Books of ink drawings, 2018–2022. The Books of Ink Drawings originated in the artist’s printmaking and drawing studio as part of the project Hidden Kingdoms, Shifting Worlds at Newcastle University’s Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology (CBCB). They were created during the research and development phase, alongside the laboratory research the artist carried out from 2016 to 2022. These drawing books served as a record and journal that underpinned the process of learning, documenting, and interpreting the scientific studies, complementing the meticulously recorded lab experiments. It would serve as an invaluable source of information for future artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and films.
Below is a selection of drawings taken from more than twenty volumes, chosen at random and presented in non-chronological order.
Part 2 of this selection is at the bottom of the page.
The studies capture the intense atmosphere of the processing labs, echoing the glistening surfaces of Petri-dish assays, the rhythmic noises, and the shimmering lights of the incubation labs that housed researchers’ scientific experiments. Drawings also reveal the interactive behaviour of microbes in action. They became a constant source of inspiration for film and animation studies, as well as for the ink drawings themselves. Laboratory research became a routine alongside the painting studio work: research, drawing, and painting across three venues. The method shaped how each component contributed to my understanding of the project.
The paper used is acid-free cartridge paper. A range of inks, including Indian ink, is used. The inks were chosen for their density, versatility, and transparency. The inks are applied in much the same manner as in the large, industrial-scale paintings. A layer is added to a dry surface or a touch-dry surface, while some inks are applied more generously to wet surfaces.
Further insights on the artwork, including a scientific appraisal by Dr Richard Daniel, are available at:
https://www.derekhill.co.uk/work/item/hidden-kingdoms-shifting-worlds-review-2026/
For further information on the Projects and artwork visit YouTube Playlists: https://www.youtube.com/@derekhill5586/playlists
Film Sketches for Hidden Kingdoms Shifting Worlds: https://youtu.be/qoGHV1I8eUo?si=3PNU_gqxCE7T8-3Y
Artist at the CBCB, 2016 – 2022:
https://www.derekhill.co.uk/work/cat/artist-at-the-cbcb/
Home Page and Current work: https://www.derekhill.co.uk/
