On papers -η΄γ«ζγ-
Shallows (Triptych)
This was created for the collaborative exhibition with sculptor Frances Carlile. It is a significant work for me as I stepped out of my comfort zone and approached the my ongoing subject in a completely different way.
It was my first triptych.
It was site-specific. I planned the work for the end wall of Art Shed, a spacious gallery with high ceiling at Mid Wales Arts. Additionally, the air movements in the gallery lead to the decision to leave the tissues unsecured at the bottom, to maximise the movements.
It was created with the conscious decision to incorporate more Japanese-ness.
Hanging wrinkled and stained super-thin tissues in front, in order to express movements, made this artwork an installation rather than painting.
Shallows (Triptych), Sumi ink & Bronze powder on rag paper and Tengucho tissues. Approx 400x80cm in two sections (centre), Approx 280x65cm in three sections (L&R)
Quiver
These (and Water Seeking, below) were painted on kumohada mashi paper, made of hemp and mulberry, that is known for its βcloud-like texture and durability. Both Quiver and Water Seeking use powder pigments mixed with a binder. For this one, a new plant-based powder glue was used. The unusual technique I employed is to apply the pigments on the back of the paper and let the colours come through.
Quiver I, Powder pigment & Artglue on mashi paper, Approx 97x188cm
Quiver II, Powder pigment & Artglue on mashi paper, Approx 97x188cm
Quiver III, Powder pigment & Artglue on mashi paper, Approx 97x188cm
Water seeking
This was part of my research into a more environmentally-friendly painting practice, employing Nihon-ga (Japanese painting) material and technique. However instead of using their traditional animal-derived binder, I used fish skin gelatine (I am a pescatarian). After this project, I did not immediately switch to this painting method from acrylic painting because of the difficulty, cost and carbon footprint involved in the material sourcing.
However, this project later developed into more artworks such as Quiver (above).
Water seeking I, Mix Media (Powder pigments, Fish gelatine) on Mashi Paper 51x51cm (68x68cm framed)
Water seeking II, Mix Media (Powder pigments, Fish gelatine) on Mashi Paper 51x51cm (65x65cm framed) π΄
Strata - Earth Memories
This body of work was prompted by an open exhibition that called for sustainable art and was the starting point of my experiments with pigments.
My medium of choice had been acrylic for the preceding several years, initially for its practicality. The more time I invested in learning the medium and how to maximise its attributes, the more difficult it became to move away from it. But I thought that the exhibition was the opportunity for me to try out some more environmentally friendly mediums.
The alternative medium I chose was powder pigments and fish skin gelatine. But layering the paint using these new materials was difficult. Hence collages using thin tissues and tapioca glue.
Strata - Earth Memories I, Mixed media 26.5x26.5cm (31x31cm framed in white with perspex) π΄
Strata - Earth Memories II, Mixed media 28x28cm (31x31cm framed in white with perspex) π΄
Strata - Earth Memories III, Mixed media 28x28cm (31x31cm framed in white with perspex) π΄