Searching for satellites ...

 and the external proposition.

At last I have been able to get back to EP and continue to make some more propositions. There really is a sense of searching for the unknown, an elusive seam of enlightenment that will only reveal itself if it's not being actively sought ......??? It possibly begins to suggest itself when reviewing what has emerged and reflecting on the process applied. This act of self critical analysis is an important act of making future work. It is integral to understanding what is being voiced and its validity. What is its value, purpose, merit, point, concerns? All of this floods my head and the following internal processing makes for a roller coaster ride of mega highs and lows, plus the realisation that I am only barely touching the surface in regards to the possibilities that present themselves. So, I can only reference those that have gone before, artists whose work has layers; layers of dialogue that reveal an intent to voice a genuine concern and it is this that I am seeking. It is there in their works, a connection with the material, subject matter and application. Forget labels in regards to "style", a Velazquez has the same intent as a Rothko, as does a Soutine and a Chardin. Intent is everything.

The latest prints:

The next two paintings are a direct response (others being worked) to the wonderful Alchemy Film Festival that has recently been on here in the Borders. Four days of Artist's films offering a fantastic feast of diversity. Robert Todd's Threshold and Rachel MacLean's Over the Rainbow were two standout films for me.

Threshold 1

Threshold 2

                                                         Moments of clarity
                                                         Flickering in the darkness
                                                         Moments of uncertainty
                                                         Engulfed in madness

Still seeking solutions.

Moments of uncertainty and magic.

Well the quest continues and presents some wonderful serendipitous moments. Despite the years that I have been making etchings it never ceases to amaze me how it still comes down to that moment of peeling the paper away from the plate.  There is a real sense of the unknown, the interaction between the etch, ink and paper. 

Having the opportunity to make work that is open to possibility has really enabled me to explore and pursue ideas with a sense of freedom. The psychological boost that the Award offers cannot be underestimated, it promotes 'space' - space to create, space to make mistakes, space to take risks, space to reflect - SPACE. So important.

As mentioned before it has been a technical learning curve at Edinburgh Printmakers. There have been moments when I have hankered after the solvents and the nitric acid. It's not because I am resistant to change but rather because of that precious commodity, TIME. I have a limited amount of it, once a fortnight and only 4 hours! It's not enough!! 

These are the latest works, some monochromatic single plate prints and others colour two plate prints.

As is the norm, reaction and reflection is part of the process. The works orientation is flexible, each individual image dictates the way it is viewed. Each print is a one off and this is deliberate choice, etching naturally offers limited edition printing but this requires a known outcome, something that I am striving not to do. 

The two paintings that follow have been revisited since the last post, keeping in line with previous statements about conversations being started up again. What's said may differ slightly or offer up a completely different viewpoint, nevertheless its history is embedded in the painting, it is a document, a record of a dialogue, hidden layers, memories.

Moving Forward

Ideas, development and the inner voice.

One thing is certain, the last 2 years have made me reflect on what it is that I am trying not to say and to attempt to resolve what I am wanting to say.
It has strengthened my resolve in attempting to push myself into making work that is without a known starting point or outcome. 
Why? 
Because there comes a point where you need to ask questions.
Naturally these questions are as a direct consequence of everything that has gone before - events that have an impact on your psyche that call into question the very core of your belief system and bring about bouts of uncertainty in everything that you do. 
Searching for satellites.
It's about identification, trying to distill the essence of my internal machinations.
Not easy.
Definitely, not easy.
Hmmm....
I strongly believe that the drawing, painting, print et al should be the by-product of the act of exploration/ investigation.
I was at the Louise Bourgeois exhibition the other day. It made sense. Yes, at times disturbing, uncomfortable but ... oh so, real. The work's strength came from a desire/ need to express, regardless. It was not about picture making. I was talking with my colleague Siobhan about this and how this was also evident in the work upstairs at the NGS of Joan Eardley a favourite artist of hers. The landscape on show demonstrated quite clearly that Eardley was trying to convey the physical experience of the landscape rather than a trite pleasant rendition. 
Hey but what do I know?
Sometimes it feels as if the answer is very little. 
Maybe painting should be about fitting in with the decor?
Maybe I should be silent.
Maybe I should stop feeling at odds.
Maybe I should just ....
Maybe
Maybe not.
Actually, definitely not.

Rant over.

Latest prints. As is the norm the following images are one off images, some work, some don't, but all are as a direct consequence of an open ended investigation. At present I am still trying to allow for the unexpected, one of the things that I think has mileage is the combination of a faint previously printed plate and sparsely applied inking on another. 
On the other hand ...

Also, recent paintings have presented new thoughts alongside old thoughts. Everything is in flux.

Expressing, responding & unexpected findings

Etching - new beginnings at  Edinburgh Printmakers 

The images that follow are the latest outpouring from the extremely limited time that I have at EP, every fortnight is so ... it's great that I am there in the first place - but - so - frustrating. I have 4hrs to do it all, I know when it's time to run and catch the train that I have been working. 

By default printmaking is time consuming, preparation of plates ( degreasing, grounds), biting  in acid (this is very different to nitric - a lot slower, not as visible etc...), soaking paper, laying out inking area, wiping down, printing and cleaning up! ( using veg oil is very new to me and requires adjustment timing wise). Oh, how I want more time!!!!

It has been an eye opener, having spent years running a traditional printmaking workshop everything is familiar and yet, different?  Learning new methods of applying grounds and how they are removed ( not easily and involves a lot more elbow grease), aquatint - again different, it's an acrylic spray which is fine but takes getting used to ( I knew the traditional resin powder aquatint box so well, how many cranks of the handle for what type of dusting etc..) As already mentioned the acid is the main steep learning curve, with nitric I could read the bite, I could gauge it's effect on the plate without use of a clock - using copper sulphate is very different, the action is much slower and for a really deep bite the plate needs to be upside down due to residue inhibiting the bite. It's been an education. I have not formulated an opinion as yet, it's too early and I remember what it was like when we changed over to water based screen inks, it takes time to adjust. 

The upshot of it all is what I thought I would achieve and how much in the time allowed is being reviewed. As previously mentioned the idea is to make imagery that is a response and not to produce ( certainly not at this stage) an edition, all imagery forms part of a documentation - warts and all - I strongly believe that if I am to 'create' then it needs to be an open ended journey, once the barriers are in place then the 'titivating' begins.

 

 I am looking forward to getting back after the imposed christmas break  - roll on the 10th Jan 2014!