Exhibition Spaces...

I visited the Brewhoue Art Centre in Burton on Trent on Friday.  I was dropping some work off for their Xmas shopping exhibition and also to take the opportunity to have a look around with a view to a potential exhibition next year.

It is a lovely space, but I find myself wondering whether having an exhibition away from my own area is a good idea.  So some more research is needed into the area and what the art scene is like in East Staffordshire.  Its not that far away, but I'm not known around there and a I discovered yesterday when observing the actions of customers at the Muse Gallery Xmas Fayre, people definately do buy from people.  I am still in the early stages of getting my name and face recognised so have to keep taking these chances to get myself known.

I've also decided to persue a line of research that I've been thinking about for a couple of years now.  I read a historical novel (not usually my thing) which was based on a true story.  The story has stayed with me and I re-read the novel, deciding it was time to look further into the truth side and develop a body of work.  Usually I find myself being very open with what I am making, but this feel too precious, too early stages to reveal yet.  I just know I want to make some mixed media pieces.  A friend has pointed out that this would be a good reason to apply for a Grants for the Arts funding, but that feels a bit scary at this stage!

Experimental Paintings

I've been experimenting with painting for the last few weeks and really enjoying it.  I'm interested in exploring mixed media collaged pieces which then have overlays of paint.  These are just two of my small experiments done on watercolour paper. 

I'm looking forward to an art fayre at The Muse Gallery in Heage on Saturday where I'll be selling and displaying my mosaics, still debating whether to take these small pieces along.

Baron Hill Mansion

I've completed another painting about the old mansion house near where my parents live and thought it was about time I put some of the history of the place down.  There are more photo's on this website which has some amazing shots of the inside not long after it was abandoned. I would credit the author of the pages, but they are anonymous.

The original house was built in 1612 and underwent various changes, some of the dates around the gutterings are from 1835 and most of the architecture is from the early 19th Century.  It was requistioned during the WW2 as accomodation for the polish army (tales of polish soldiers bumping into the Stalin moustachioued local look alike caused much amusement). Fire destroyed the building and it has remained empty and decaying ever since, but has become a valuable source for artists and photographers alike.

I spent many hours running around this old mansion frightening myself with anticipation of coming across a ghost (or the very real gamekeeper) and the place still holds a fascination to me.  I once spent a good 30 minutes nervously pacing as my sister and our friend bravely (studpidly?) explored the cellars and basement.  I was far too sensible and timid to join them, although in hindsight I wish I'd been braver.

Rumours about restoring the old house and converting it into flats have been circulating for the past few years.

Above is my latest painting, which is the view from the opposite side of the first photo (above).  It is much more overgrown now,  this is done using dyes, acrylics, collage and pen & ink drawing. There is a lot more to follow!

SketchBook Project

I have totally neglected my sketchbook project sketchbook.

It has sat in the bottom of my bag while I have been favouring my moleskin book of nicer thicker paper,elastic band and pure loveliness.

I think I need to start taking it out of my bag and drawing in it or the Brooklyn library will have an empty book from me or perhaps I should just write an IOU and stick it on the front cover.

Its hard to get enthusiastic about a thin little book with flimsy leaves, but feel it is time to give the malnutritioned little thing some creative food.

If you want to read more about The Sketchbook Project its all here.  I am going to make a concerted effort to get on with my book...

Work Time

Working in the Studio means life is easier and more fluid.  It means no travelling and no childcare costs, it means being close to school and on hand if anyone is poorly.  It means being able to go and see Gold Badge Awards and going on local walks with 30 children.

It also means being very disciplined.  Saying No to a cup of coffee at the school gates, not agreeing to pop into town for a browse of the charity shops but taking yourself seriously and valueing the time between the demands of being a mother.  I'm still learning this discipline.

My main struggle is when the children are home, the ideas flow and the dreaming about the next painting or the next bit of creative writing, or the next mosaic dance around my brain with letters, colours and pictures and I'm usually well organised enough to scribble these ideas down....

However, when the week begins and school uniforms are washed and dried, homework is done, and stories read, I often just collapse in a heap.  I spend a lot of time thinking and not doing.

This leads to me feeling rather miserable and frustrated which leads to a non productive day such as yesterday, which in turn leads to the circle of depression which is enhanced by being unmotivated.  I then find myself in a spiral which can just get worse throughout the day, I speak less and become very introspective.

On the other hand, being in control of my work time means I can just grab the dog lead and head out over the fields, lifting my mood in time for the school run and before you know it, I'm laughing on the school yard with other parents and cheerful children are coming out to meet me, demanding to be fed.  We can then skip off happily home to play a game and I can let my imagination dream and plan my next time the house is silent of shouts, laughter and distraction.

Quick Catch Up...

Just a quick catch up, I love it when I'm busy but find I don't have time to do posts or updates. 

I now have work in the Muse Gallery & Art Studio in Heage, a lovely little gallery, full of yummy things all arty & crafty, I would thoroughly recommend a trip out there, I particularly liked Mandy's personalised hearts and they have gone on my christmas list, just got to figure out who to give one to!

The same week, I was accepted as an associate member of Bank's Mill in Derby, which is a studio's owned by the University of Derby, and last week I submitted four paintings for their open studios.  So that feels very exciting and a bit of a milestone achievement for me personally.  I'm doing more paintings with texture and collage, and finding the confidence to put them out there.

Then this weekend, two events, Compassionate Derby on Saturday which was highlighting how to live ethically, sustainably and cruelty free.  I try my best but often fail at this, even though I don't eat meat and try to live economically, next to some of the issues being raised, I look as bad as someone who eats at McDonalds every night, which is a hard lesson on self reflection. I know I could do more.

But all this was counter balanced by the Mad Hatters Tea Pary and the eating of lots of cake today.  This was in aid of Leukaemia and Lymphona Cancer research so all the cake eating and calories was for a good cause...

I am having a very, very full on week.  Last Thursday, my daughter and I went to pick up her french exchange student, who is already a very elegant young lady even at 13.  So the weekend was spent showing her the Derbyshire Countryside and we caught the train to Matlock and walked back over the tors to Matlock Bath.  I took lots of photos of the most stunning views, that I have only driven past, which will provide the inspiration for some new landscape mixed media pieces.  Also found a bonus lovely old door...

I managed to get to a life drawing class last friday and immersed myself back in the flow of drawing.  I haven't done any life drawing for about 8 years, so my first attempt was very small as I had forgotten how to scale up when measuring.  Luckily, my friend who had taken me, hadn't forgotten and was able to show me how to do it properly.  Although the results weren't brilliant, they weren't too bad considering my lack of practice!  Not sure the models leg was really that shape... or that foreshortened, but I really enjoyed loosing myself in the practice of learning to draw again.  I used to be quite good at life drawing so hopefully I can relearn that skill again.