Follow up from my last post, I had applied to take part in two shows. one a local gallery and the other a larger, regional gallery and a very good show. I was accepted into the exhibition at the local gallery but not the bigger regional gallery. As a consequence of being in a local gallery show another local retail gallery spotted my work and asked to have some of my smaller work on their shelves for a few months. This is still ongoing, but one piece sold in the first week. So, it just goes to show that you have to keep being persistent and get yourself out there more.
I still feel like a bit of a spare wheel amongst the local art scene, but I am trying to find my place. In line with this I have been involved with a local couple of artists in recent weeks. One a potter the other a printer/painter. this came about from an appeal on Facebook from the potter wanting a mixed media artists to take part in a threefold set of workshops, each influencing a different approach which can then be applied to ceramics. This is still a work in progress, but I have hosted my first test painting workshop which was enjoyed by all.
Working full time alongside my art creating continues to be taxing. time and energy levels wain from week to week. I find looking at art and watching other artists making a constant inspiration and energy booster. Also, I am firm believer in getting in the studio and just making and finding inspiration as I go rather than waiting for some divine signal!!! This leads to work, which is sometimes good, sometimes not, but work is being made and skills improved.
I have recently updated my website with new available work (www.theartofpfm.bigcartel.com). Some of this is new work and some is older work that I felt was too good to hide away. I will be updating once a month so add your name to my email list via the website to make sure you get update notifications.
Going forward, I will be going in three directions (just to make things more complicated !!). Firstly, I will be going big and more figurative. Still emphasising mark making and colour, but also looking at improving composition and setting the subject with a 'Place'. Secondly, I will be working small. I love the intimacy of small works. With these small works I will be including text (often randomly selected) alongside my signature mark making. These smaller works will be combined with historical and vintage styled frames to add to the richness of their presence. Thirdly, less of an art creation but still relevant. I will be reaching out and looking in in order to find my who. Who does my artwork appeal to, where does it sit well and where is the audience for me.
Well, that’s all for now, a busy few months ahead, next post in a months’ time