The Story of We

So, the MFA show is over, the dust has settled, the alcohol-free champs has all been drunk. 

..and holidays have been had...
Pretty much a whirlwind. I'm now sitting in my studio, ready to paint again.
So, time to review, plot and scheme...

---

First of all, a quick credit to Craig Dring and Chris Patterson for their yummy photos of my work.

My final show piece was called 'Story of We'. The subjectmatter was mining culture and the local societies that continue to preserve this heritage. Seen through the eyes of an artist, I found mining and mining conservation to be full of exceptionally collaborative and creative acts. There is a sense of design, the need to experiment to find a solution.  All carried out in often very dangerous conditions, and on a monumental scale.

It maybe niche, creating paintings of the subterranean, but the myth, stories, remains and rock formations are just so endlessly captivating.

 You can read more about the piece here, if you like.

So now, I'm developing the paintings I made during my Masters.  

I worked with the paint to create labyrinthine worlds, using oil paint and gravity itself. In the final show, they benefitted from being spotlit in the black-out space.

I'd like to increase the intensity in the work, so their colours can sing even without being spotlit! And the labyrinthine nature of the spaces - I'd like to explore this a bit further too.

​The paper-cast elements still intrigue me... but again, I think there is another stage to come. I really like the absence of any colour. I'm bewitched by it. It also gives me a sense of peace.

Low-relief sculpture - using the effect of light and shadow over a 3-dimensional form, seems like a good medium to evoke the craggy geology of the area.
It also speaks of the past, a 'ghost impression', something poetic, needing longer contemplation, ever-changing with the light of the day. The white cotton with which the work is made, also reminds me of shrouds, the sacred. 
I also recently learned that clouds have a molecular make-up that mirrors the suns rays - hence the white - the full spectrum. I like the idea of white denoting a full spectrum. 

I did mention in my last newsletter, that I was going to develop my Journey Portraits. This is true! I'll hopefully show developments of this in the coming months too.

 Going back to collaboration, creativity and research, I've been continuing to work with Kirkgate Arts and Heritage  in Cockermouth. In line with their totally inspiring vision, I've been running loads of workshops with all ages and communities, co-researching and exploring. I'll be over at Maryport's Netherton Infants this Autumn/Winter, as well as at The Settlement. 

Finally, after driving through to Newcastle for the past 2 years, I'm now able to enjoy my wonderful studio at The Makers Mill . I'm going to be setting up some art clubs, for age 7-12, 13-18 and adult, run on a subscription basis. More information will appear in the coming weeks!