My last blog talked a lot about sewing and I am in the throws of organising some samples to be delivered of paper yarn, wire thread and retroreflective (glow-in-the-dark) thread. I'm questioning the materials I am using, are they the right ones? Materials vs. process.
So I've been 'pottering' about, an awful word to use. Sorting out the studio, again, de-cluttering, again, putting things away, streamlining what is in front of me. Streamlining a number of things.
Publicly I have had work in exhibitions every month this year so far. From Nottingham to Edinburgh, Leeds and now Glasgow, and soon to be, Bath, which is excellent news. Applying for more things, submitting smaller pieces, I am taking a different approach and curators like my work. But I would like to make bigger, more substantial artworks and have more concrete projects ahead of me.
Where I live is a rewarding yet challenging environment. It is costly to get anywhere so unfortunately I have been unable to get to some of these exhibitions. It feels alienating. I feel like I'm experiencing some kind of strange phenomena. I wrap my work up, it disappears, then comes back to me, but I'm not involved with it in the interim. I've always been hands-on, participating with the setting up and taking down of shows, joining in with curatorial decisions.
These next few months I have other work to do. My partner is head warden for a campsite and I'm going to be housekeeper for our two self catering cottages. They say cleaning is good for exercise and maybe the distraction will focus my artwork! I hope so.
Two of my artworks that are in 'International Glasgow: The Melting Pot' at Six Foot Gallery, Glasgow 10th April - 1st May 2014
Work ready for 'A Given Structure' being held at Fringe Arts Bath Festival (FaB) 23rd May - 8th June 2014
My latest drawings from 'pottering' in the studio. I felt compelled to draw them over a couple of days. I cannot explain what they mean. They remind me of the works of Louise Bourgeoise and Eva Hesse. I see associations with stitching, space and abstraction.
Did anyone see the letter from Sol LeWitt to Eva Hesse that was circulating recently on Twitter?
Here it is again Letter from Sol LeWitt to Eva Hesse
And one of my artworks being re-stretched by hanging it in the window. It had got a little squashed in transportation. It seems to have taken on a different slant in it's new position.
Here it is in it's original state as presented in 'Overtime: Art and the Office' at SEIZE Leeds, Leeds
26th March - 29th March 2014
Finally, my favourite artwork 'in progress' at the moment:
Machine - holed, hand - stitched, crumpled - up, tissue paper.