This is an attempt to open up my painting process. Normally I just disappear into my studio and paint without any reference to the outside world or the input of others.
I intend filming this project as well as photographing it for daily posts here and on Flickr.com (my flickr ID is Distant Sun). The intention is to make a documentary about the project for my own use as well as a record of the event. Unfortunately all I have is a digital compact camera so I’m looking for film makers to collaborate with, especially if you bring better equipment with them.
In return for your help I am willing to collaborate with you on your own ideas. The idea behind the project is to open up my painting process and see how it develops in response to the input of others. It may be that I discover a way of integrating painting/film making in producing this new art work and this will influence the progress of the painting. I am also more than happy for you to put your own spin on this and produce work of your own. This applies to any artist, not just film-makers.
I will obviously keep this blog updated throughout August but I will post most pictures on my flickr.com pages.
Rolf Harris' iconic catchphrase, "Can you tell what it is yet?" captures the spirit of my work perfectly although I seek a different outcome and response to the multi-talented aussie.
During August, at the Waygood studios in the Harkers Building in Byker I will cover a 2.5m x 26m (8' x 86') wall in canvas and start to make a new painting.
My project has grown out of two Waygood projects the Harker Herald and the the Hanging Wall.
More images and input have been provided from different sources however images are not at the minute my primary concern, although I would like to receive more input. The sheer size of the Hanging Wall and its shape currently are the main issues I have to consider.
The Hanging Wall, a project space within the Waygood Studios building, is 2.5m high by 26m long. Although it is one continuous wall it is actually in four sections each approximately 2.5 x 6 m in area. The length of the wall has already forced me to think about narrative. I so far have no single image that would cover this area. I will probably use several images which will mean a literal of formal narrative will develop. Which also leads to the question, “Where do I start?” Do I start as usual from the left or do I deliberately try to break up the formal narrative by starting in several palaces at once. Possibly a literal narrative, which tends to indicate a left to right reading, will develop from the images I chose to use.
My project feature in today’s (20th July 2007) Journal, the local morning paper, I am also feature on the Journals Culture Club website. Up to thirty members of this Culture Club will be invited along for an evening to discuss this project and my work.
The response to my invitation to provide input for me to utilise has started.
As well as porvideing images, potential issues have been raised. As I stated elsewhere this project is about opening up my practice and creating a dialogue that may or may not influence my work.
The issues highlighted so far are;
The nature of the images provided. I always usually selectimages of people. So far all the images suggested are of objects.
The level of contol and input. By how much will this remain the exercise of my choice. One suggestion has been that I respond only to popular vote.
Collaboration. Not something that I have ever undertaken before.
