I think I was trying too hard with my work, and overcomplicating things, but that was probably an important phase to go through. I kept adding things to the canvases, extra frames, bits of hardboard etc. Since my last post, I've been pretty productive making what are essentially 'just' paintings. Instead of using other objects to make layers and boundaries, I've used paint. Fancy that!
I'm still obsessed with the use of translucent fabric, I don't think transparent materials would have the same effect, or work as well due to the fact that the semi-see-throughness is a bit of a tease as to what is obscured, with the occasional hole cut away for a bit of clarity. Saying that, I'll be working with perspex next week. I've done some really small versions too (30cm x 30cm) which are nice little objects. These pieces of work do have a tendancy to look a little bleak and maybe clinical, and there is a wanting for me to put some of that energetic mark-making back into the surface somewhere. They do look like they've moved on somewhat over the last few months though, always a good thing.