Studio time

Having the time, resources and my own studio space to make self indulgent works is indeed a gift that I am truly grateful for. The freedom to immerse myself in the pain and pleasure that is making for makings sake satisfies my soul. I am so lucky that I do not have to make art to sustain myself financially. Each work instead being the medicine that nourishes me providing an outlet to express myself emotionally and intellectually.

Over the last year I have been collecting regularly from the tide line. The treasures amassed methodically laid out on my studio floor so that I may regard and allow them to inspire me. It is only over the last couple of weeks that I have felt that I could begin to synthesize my collection. So that this process may not be disrupted I have made a supply of supports.

To guide and galvanize me on my making journey I have revisited artists that influenced me when I was an undergraduate: Harvey Duke, Will Maclean, Tom McKendrick. It is fair to say that although these artists influenced me I was not brave enough at the time to make works like them. Instead I chose to produce paintings that would please others, that my friends and family could understand and accept, works that did not challenge.

Maturity and confidence have finally allowed me to begin to make art for myself that I do not care if a viewing public likes or not. The first of my mixed media pieces uses three numbered posts I found just over a year ago at Barry Buddon Ministry of Defense Training Area. Added to the composition are layers of card which will then be covered in a homemade texture medium then layered with a van dyke crystal solution.

I am not sure how the piece will turn out. Like I said earlier it is both a tortuous and gratifying process. It is a journey of discoveries and self discovery.

Recipe for texture medium:

• 2 parts plaster
• 1 part PVA
• 1 part gesso

Mix together and use straight away. Working time approximately 10 minutes.