I've been preparing a new batch of canvases for a slew of tipis though my mind is being drawn in a bit of a different direction on the long canvas I'm working on...I'm being pulled in two directions so we'll see what transpires as the work progresses. I love this part of the process, adding colours and marks to a pliable stretched canvas which feels so visceral to me, kind of like a tattoo on skin I suppose. I begin with a palette of warm (or cool) colours and as each layer dries I add the opposite making marks with my finger tips and hands, brayers, paper towel, brushes, bottle caps, palette knives, sponges...whatever strikes my fancy and catches my eye. This is why I prefer to work in series as while one canvas dries, another can be manipulated.
I've been inspired by BBC, by the light and colours and creativity of Sherlock, Call the Midwife, Ripper Street and Downton Abbey, by seeing the juxtaposition of texture and pattern, and by the sun's rising and setting as it paints the skies in a myriad of colours as these days slowly lengthen. It's been a wonderful holiday in spite of the illnesses that traveled through our home and it feels quiet now that everyone's gone back to their regular schedules. And since my 52 WEEKS PROJECT is now at an end I'm feeling a bit nostalgic. It's all quite bittersweet. But there is nothing like getting to work to heal whatever ails me. Another ritual, another beginning. Setting the kettle on to boil, turning on CBC radio and lighting a candle while I squeeze paint onto palette and get my hands dirty. Trusting my intuition, remembering, and placing those memories on canvas. There really is nothing better. Comments are closed.
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