Lull

Following my recent ‘Abandoned Spaces’ exhibition, I started to have ideas for a new body of work. I’ve been experimenting with inks in sketchbooks and trying slightly new ways of working. When using ink I normally favour the fine line pens but have recently been working with quink and white ink. After a few loose pieces, I came up with a more layered and detailed piece which I’ve called ‘Lull'.

The title of the new work relates to my interest in producing work that is peaceful and still. It is a reaction against the news which almost entirely focuses on what is wrong with the world. I didn’t feel that I wanted to add to that and so have set about planning work that is quiet, slow and serene. By having moments of serenity we are able to recharge our energy and are then better equip to cope with life. At the same time, by slowing down occasionally, we are able to find the moments of beauty that are all around us. The world is not perfect but by missing this beauty, we are left with a distorted view of life.

You can view ‘Lull’ in the woodland section of the website.

Exhibition Award, New Work and Forthcoming Shows

I am pleased to announce that I have been awarded the ACAVA Studios Artist Development Prize at the Three Counties Open Exhibition for my painting ‘GEC’. I will be having a meeting soon to find out more about this creative opportunity. The exhibition is held at The Burslem School of Art and has been organised by Keele University. You can view the exhibition online on the Barewall Gallery website.

I have just completed a new graphitint drawing featuring a derelict ceramics factory in Middleport. This is the same building that features in my painting ‘Inside Out’. It was good to tackle the subject with a different medium as it brings out different qualities due to the nature of the water soluble pencils. The new drawing is called ‘Return’ and can be found in the ‘Abandoned Spaces’ section of my website. This drawing, along with ‘The Mirror Tree’ piece, will feature in the forthcoming Birmingham Art Circle Exhibition at the RBSA Gallery in Birmingham.

I have plenty of other ideas on the go including a new acrylic painting which is almost halfway through now. Life is never boring!

New Work

I’m currently working on a few creative projects and the current lockdown has meant I have spent more time in my studio.

Today I have repaired one of my recent oil paintings, ‘After the Rain”, after it fell off a shelf. This is now fully restored and if anything, looks better than before. I am also working on a new oil painting featuring the GEC Factory that has recently been demolished in Stafford.

I have begun a new ink drawing based on one of the towers at RAF Upper Heyford. I have a new technique I want to try out on this piece which I think will work well.

I’m never bored!