What makes someone make art? In 2017, I picked up a paintbrush for the first time, and then found I couldn't be far from a canvas all year round. I'd fallen in love with a free spirit. The first time I saw his bedroom I became infatuated, there were paintings everywhere. A year ensued of non-committal love and pain. Not knowing where I stood and feeling let down so much that small things he did or said became hugely significant. We had about three months where it was pretty pure and seemed to work. I was in Australia & Singapore for the middle of the three - it was that distance that probably made the surrounding months so special. Though it ended suddenly, painfully, he introduced me to painting and a love of modern art for which I am genuinely thankful for. Here are a few more influences which had an impact on painting in 2017.... 1. I moved next door to the Tate Modern. What I did with my paintbrushes? Insomniac inspired by Fahrelnissa Zeid. And - generally felt more inspired to pick them up almost every day. What I wish I'd done with my paintbrushes? Cleaned them! 2. I indulged in my love of the sea. I was lucky enough to visit Nice, Croyde, Mykonos, Byron Bay and Sydney in 2017. What I did with my paintbrushes? Sunset (image below), Sea Moss, Silver Linings, Making Waves, Vortextulate What I wish I'd done with my paintbrushes? Taken them with me, or at least a sketchbook. 3. My dad got pissed at me because I couldn't stop painting. It probably resembled my relationship with alcohol... like pringles, once I pop I just can't stop... Whilst painting is a much healthier addiction, it can get out of hand and lead to antisocial behaviour and irreversable messyness. What I did with my paintbrushes? Rogue Flowers Warped What I wish I'd done with my paintbrushes? Nothing. Conflict makes art better. 4. A passion for plants and flowers Sometimes real, sometimes more abstract. In 2017 I made 36 paintings depicting plants or flowers. What I wish I'd have done with my paintbrushes? Recorded some of the methods I adopted in the earlier paintings - I can't remember what I did to achieve some of the effects and therefore struggle to re-create them. 5. I gained a patron for 2018
I cannot thank Carolyn Stubbs enough for supporting my work for 2018. The investment will enable me to exhibit at one of the biggest London art events of the year - the Talented Art Fair. What I did with my paintbrushes? I finished a canvas I'd been working on since June, 'Sunset Crack'd' (below), which has sold. And I did my biggest canvas yet, Cascades, (below, below) which will be going up for sale in a restaurant in Dalston, amongst others. Comments are closed.
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