The final preparations for the degree show are coming together this week. I had a clear idea of the paintings I wanted to include in my display. The selection comes from my Dwelling Fusion series, the main focus of my current work.
I chose three works from the two properties in which I reside, along with two which focus on the gap between them. I think this ensemble, as a whole, serves to tell the story of how I balance my time during this part of my life.
I wanted to position the Fireplace centrally as a starting point for the display as it represents a natural gathering place. The other two works align either side to balance the domestic setting. The lower part of the display then concentrates on the geographical divide between the homes and my many journeys in between.
For all the work involved in producing my final display, I feel undertaking this degree has been an enormously worthwhile experience, and has opened my eyes to the wider picture of producing art at this level. Working with my fellow students has provided a mutually supportive learning environment in which to study. The wealth of experience provided by staff has proved invaluable in making the final degree show such a professional event.
After spending a lifetime visiting galleries around the world it is very exciting to be contributing my own work on this occasion.
My latest painting comes about through my current process of paring down earlier detailed figurative works to achieve the minimalist end result. From my Dwelling Fusion series, I have fused together basic lines of two different kettles to create Kettle a painting to feature in this year’s final degree show.
I think the paring down technique that has informed my practice has taken work into a totally unexpected direction. This is one of the things I find particularly fascinating about art. You never really know where the ride is going to take you.
I have been working on a painting entitled Bridge. This work has been evolving gradually from earlier paintings on the same theme. The initial depictions were quite detailed and have progressed as I began to explore how to convey the same notion but in a more abstract and conceptual manner. With the final version, I have pared it down to this extreme minimalist state.
Surprising that the journey to achieving the end result should be so long and detailed, but simultaneously a necessary process. Had I not taken this path the work could have ended up looking very different.
In the course of my research, I came across this somewhat bold statement by US artist Ad Reinhardt (1913-1967), who is known for his black paintings:
The more stuff in it, the busier the work of art, the worse it is. More is less. Less is more. The eye is a menace to clear sight. The laying bare of oneself is obscene. Art begins with the getting rid of nature.
These are interesting observations which seem to say the decision regarding what goes into a painting and what stays out is most important in creating a work of true value. Reinhardt reveals a keen sense of humour with his direct, opinionated views.
This is particularly relevant at the moment as I make similar decisions in my latest pared down paintings.
This work which depicts car journeys between East Anglia and the North East is nearing completion and I am feeling rather happy with the result so far, particularly the way in which the sense of speed and potential danger is captured. A transformation has taken place from my original painting through to this final image which is in keeping with my pared down style. I think the whole exercise was a necessary process of development which allowed me time to consider planning, layout and final execution of the painting.
