TRACING THOUGHTS EXHIBITION

So Chloe Regan and I had a blast curating our own exhibition at 44AD in Bath. It was super fun and really rewarding. Just catching up and saying a few words on the idea behind the concept of the exhibition.

SUFFERING INTO CONSCIOUSNESS ORIGINAL ARTWORK

This new piece is an exciting venture - I'll explain more on the concept as I complete the painting, but I thought I'd share where I'm at with my journey as an artist.

I often plan out my paintings, sometimes to the point where all serendipity is eliminated. I know what I am going to create. I design the painting, then I paint it. 
This was enjoyable in the early days, to mock up an idea and know with confidence I could replicate a hand rendered image of it.
However, on reflection, I realised that all the creativity was happening before I'd even put pencil to paper, or brush to canvas. I'd plan every detail so meticulously, that it was becoming a little stifling.

The real 'magic' is getting lost in a creation, by being clear on the message but allowing freedom in the execution. Trusting without thinking. Thinking too much can lead to judgement and criticism - A real hindrance. 

I was thinking back to some of my very first paintings, when I hadn't even attempted to paint a portrait before. There was no expectation,  just freedom of expression. It was fun, exhilarating even. Time wouldn't exist in those moments, the painting would come alive in an unexpected way. It would own its presence on the canvas, almost choosing its own colours.

I suppose, from then, as I kept painting, some of that initial freedom got a little lost. I set an expectation for my artwork. The ego started talking to me, demanding the next painting to be better than its predecessor. 

Each month that passes, I am discovering new realisations as I grow as an artist. Whatever happens, the most important thing is to love the process, and love creating. To hold onto the essence of 'play', so that feeling somehow becomes part of the painting. 

This new painting is taking me back to the beginning. I had a vision of a concept, but I haven't planned it too tightly. I'm letting this one breath and have its own voice. I can't wait to see what it says...I'll keep you posted.

FLOW STAMP

Flow is a new section of the website selling affordable, original artworks. 
My process as an artist is to frequently create one off pieces of art that are often inspired by a fleeting thought. Some of these pieces are developed further, others finish their  journey after one visual interpretation.  

Just like a diary, or a note book, it isn't edited. It's true and raw. It isn't perfect. It's honest.  These artworks are like a diary of my journey as an artist.  Expect imperfection, character and charm.  

So the stamp has finally arrived - very satisfying!  Each original study piece will be branded on the reverse...It's the graphic designer in me! 
These works will be available to buy in the 'Flow' section  

INTRODUCING - FLOW

Artwork is stamped, signed and dated on reverse

Flow is a celebration of creativity that I want to share by offering affordable, original artworks. They are working study pieces created in the studio, very much in the moment, when inspiration hits. Some have taken hours, some days. This is reflected in the price. They all hold a certain charm of exploring the unknown. They are raw. They come in varying sizes, mediums and supports... See which speaks to you. Enjoy browsing! 

Flow is a reflection of the creative process, to not be precious. To create it and let it go. It is a space that will be ever evolving with new ideas and thoughts. 

 

COMMISSION COMPLETE

Finished Artwork - 

It's been an absolute pleasure to paint this commission for a lovely pair from Brighton. The brief was to create a cool and edgy portrait that would hold an essence of them, without being too obvious. So it took me back to my roots of creating raw and free flowing work.

Lots of charcoal, acrylic, tea and watercolour was used to create this piece, oh, and a liberal amount of gold ink.