These works in the images are those of experiments I have been doing in rebellion to the pressure I feel to produce works of a large scale. With the pieces being about technique and the relationship between mediums I feel large scale loses the intimacy of the paint and paper. Whereas the smaller pieces highlight this beauty and keep the intricacy and detail of what I’m doing alive.
Industrial Mess (it’s current name) is the first of a series I want to make using earthy and industrial colours. I want to do this because they work well in watercolour form, with blending and highlighting the less obvious beautiful tones that watered down paint can make. Plus they are less physically aesthetic than the links and purples I have used previously which creates more of a challenge in creating a beautiful looking piece of art.
The way I do this is by covering the page in water first. Then I apply the base colour, normally that of a dark grey or a beige. Then it’s the messy part. Dripping thick paint, thin paint, glue, oils, all down the page to give depth and dimension. What I have been advised to do recently is to combine all the styles I have onto the same works. So in these smaller pieces I have used dripping, watercolours, scraping and chalks on top. This was the best advice I’ve ever had. It has opened up my eyes to what a combination of my work could be like. I feel more connected to my art as it is truly me now. All of me goes into it. Cliche but honestly true.
The smaller image, Industrial Mess II, is mainly made using watercolour paint and acrylics. Some chalk has been added but as it is quite thick to draw on only small areas can hold it. What I like most about working this way is that each piece is different and I cannot predict the end result. They are small and may be on paper but I believe they are the most powerful and interesting paintings I have made so far this year. These images are similar to those of artist Terri Burris, and this exert from her website emulates the same feelings I have;
“Terri paints from focused perspectives of the natural world, filtered and infused with memory and nostalgia. Her palettes emerge directly from her intimate observations of life’s minute details. She is inspired by nature, the character of the weather, faith, music and her family. Terri’s stunning use of color creates subtle layers of imagery, which is unique to each subject. The textured, moody and poetic pieces incorporate crystallized collage fragments to provoke each individuals own thoughts, feelings, memories and imagination.”
From looking at Terri’s work I am inspired to carry on with the deeper less female colours I have been using. Her work also has strong structure to it which I am lacking at this moment die to my focus on technique. Stressful much.
But I am happy with this outcome. The steel grey and mustard yellows are all colours I am passionate about using this term and the bright teal (being my happy colour) is a pleasant contrast to the eye. Overall a good week.
