CSM MFA – Progress Blog – Page 6

Endings and beginnings

Today I said goodbye to my fella. He returned to Isle of Man and I am continuing with the second half of my art school doings. At least I think my fella has returned to the Isle of Man, last I heard he was sitting on Gatwick runway with the pilot conveying his doubts as to the survivability of landing on the Island due to the perilous weather conditions. For all I know, he could be circling Ronaldsway Airport as I type.

_{Our farewell lunch at the Marlborough Arms, Bloomsbury}

Meanwhile, I am sitting in the bar of the Tavistock Hotel (a mere 10 minute walk from Central Saint Martins, where I am due to take classes next week) with a cocktail and a bowl of chips. I have eaten so many chips on the trip, that I’ll have to get my fella to extend my Weight Watchers subscription to 9 months. Also, I feel silly for making such a song and dance about not being a big drinker, when, on this trip, I have imbibed everyday. All I can say is, it is no small mercy I live in the woop woops, miles from a chippy or a drinking establishment.

I’ve just come back from a lovely afternoon of visiting the South London Art Gallery, in Camberwell, with my classmates. The New Contemporaries exhibition was on, which showcases new and emerging artists fresh from art school, or in their final year. It is something I could possibly apply for next year, so it was very inspiring to see the work on display. I especially liked the video work, some of the paintings, and a vibrantly decorated room-type installation.

After the gallery visit, we went to one of our classmate’s house for tea (read gin) and cake. It was nice having the chance to get to know everyone some more. Plus, our classmate has great taste in art books.

Well, the mystery of where my fella is has finally been solved, he’s on his way to the Tavistock Hotel, Bloomsbury. Apparently, the plane was in the process of landing at Ronaldsway, but pulled up at the last minute, and flew back to Gatwick. My poor fella sounded very forlorn in his messages, so I comforted him with a story about a similar situation that took place in Ireland a few years ago, where the pilot attempted to land in bad weather, took his chances and everybody died. I’m not sure if it made him feel better about his situation, but I am sure glad he is coming to stay with me and not the Queen.

_{Header image: Feather Bear – Paola Pivi (from Feelings book above)}

Living it up in Londontown

CSM MFA - Progress Blog, Interim Show

I didn’t write my post last night because I was a drunken fool – as in the ‘fell into bed and passed out’ variety. It doesn’t take much to get me sozzled, so when my fella and sister, unbeknown to me, were buying me doubles, it only took a couple for me to be well on my way to a stupor. I knew something was up when my fella was telling us about an old dear who is being nominated for an OBE, and I started crying. This didn’t bode well, as it was just pre-dinner drinks. As proof, here are the photos I took on the way from the bar to the restaurant.

The photos are of Royal Victoria Dock, where my sister and her husband were staying, and where we decided to go for dinner, at a lovely restaurant called Top1Forever, which had beautiful views of the river. At least, they would’ve been beautiful if I had remembered to take my glasses.

We all had a lovely time, and it was great to see my sister and her husband again. They had come down from Cambridgeshire, where they live, to see the exhibition. Things didn’t get off to the best start, as my fella and I were late for the meet-up, on account of the fact that we were lolling about in a luxurious movie theatre watching Antman (a treat for my Marvel-loving fella). When I say luxurious, I mean big, couch-like seats, and cocktails brought to you during the pre-screening adverts. The movie went longer than we anticipated, and then I lost my phone and had to go back for it, plus, the actual location of the theatre was confusing, all of which added to our lateness and my sister’s understandable displeasure at having been left travel-weary, drinkless, and with no idea where we were.

Things didn’t really improve when next I frogmarched everyone to the exhibition, in an effort to get there before it closed. We made it in the nick of time, allowing us to have a quick look around and ohh an ahh at all the things on display, and take the obligatory photos of my painting.

After the exhibition, we stopped off at our hotel for a pre-dinner drink, only there was no where to sit. Leaving my still travel-weary, drinkless sister and her husband standing around, my fella and I popped up to our room so I could drop off my bag. But we dillydallied too much (him putting cream on his sore feet, and me changing out of my 4-day-old clothes and having a wee zhuzh). My sister was not amused by our antics, but all was forgiven once we got to a bar that did have seats and drinking commenced.

Today we went to the morning service at West London Synagogue. A lovely young man had his Bar Mitzvah, which is always a pleasure to witness. Also, a 90 year old woman her much-belated Bat Mitzvah, fulfilling her long-held dream of learning Hebrew. It was very moving and naturally made me cry.

My fella and I then made our way to London Bridge, so we could take a good look at the river. Once there, we decided to visit our old haunt…the Shard. For our first mini-break together 3 1/2 years ago, my fella, in an effort to impress me, took us to the Shangri-la. I most certainly was impressed! Anyway, we thought it would be romantic to have a drink in the bar. However, the bar was full, so we went next door, still in the Shard, and had a drink there. We managed to get a table by the window, and had a wonderful time sipping on our White Russians, eating spicy nuts, and surveying London as far as the eye can see.

The best of days

CSM MFA - Progress Blog, Interim Show, Painting, project 1, Project 2

Some days are really great, and today was one of those days. It began fairly early, as my fella had a 7am conference call. While he was in the shower, I set up his work station, poured him a glass of water, then went down stairs and got him a coffee and a sausage. This was no trifling gesture, because those in the know know, the way to a Court man’s heart is through a sausage.

After the call, we went to the Museum of London Docklands. It was absolutely brilliant. It has permanent displays telling the story on the London docklands including it’s relationship with slavery and the sugar trade. It also had a temporary exhibition about the history of execution in London, the majority of which took place on or near the banks of the river Thames. The displays were excellent and informative, and the museum as a whole is definitely worth a visit.

After the museum, we found a really cool place for lunch, called Electric Shuffle. It had an amazing aesthetic and the food and drinks were delcious.

This evening was the opening of the exhibition. We got there early, which gave us a chance to wander around and look at everyone else’s work. There were so many great artworks, and I felt very proud to be part of such an excellent show. I meant to take lots of photos, but got distracted. I’ll try and remember to take some more tomorrow. In the meantime, here are the ones I did take.

My lovely friend Carmel came to the opening. Her and I met on a course at the Slade School of Art in 2018. We have kept in touch since, and always try a meet up when I am in London. My fella had to attend a work function after the exhibition, so he went off to that, and Carmel and I had a drink the bar of our hotel. We had a lovely time catching up, and have made a plan to meet up again next week.

All in all it was a wonderful day, and I feel very fortunate to be here, to be doing my MFA at a school like Central Saint Martins, and to have the fella and friends that I do.

Shipping News

CSM MFA - Progress Blog, Interim Show, Project 2

Today was dedicated to all things maritime, in the hopes of furthering my research for the Ann project. It began with a trip to the the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. Although it is a beautiful museum, I was disappointed to discover that it doesn’t house or display any information about Britain’s Convict Transportation system. Even the Museum’s Caird Library does not have any documents pertaining to it within its archives. However, the librarian there did steer us in the direction of the National Archives in Kew. We did contemplate taking a trip down there, but the weather was so cold and miserable, plus they prefer, though do not require that you to make an appointment. So, instead, I filled out an online archive research form, requesting any information they might have about Ann and/or the Amphitrite shipwreck.

Seeing we were in Greenwich, we decided to visit the Cutty Sark. I’ve never been on a ship like that before, and I have to say I was very impressed. I especially loved seeing the top deck and sleeping quarters. When I was in the hold where the cargo was kept, I thought of Ann’s experience of being locked in the hold of the Amphitrite while it was being wrecked during a storm in the middle of the night. It must have been terrifying. The Amphitrite was more like the Bounty than the Cutty Sark, but it still gave me an idea of the kind of vessel she was on.

The highlight of the day was going on the cable car across the Thames. I was very scared at first, much to my fella’s amusement, but I soon got used to it. It was an amazing way to see the river, and we were even able to see Trinity Buoy Wharf, where the exhibition is, as well as our hotel. Unfortunately, due to the miserable weather, the photos I took left a bit to be desired.

We’ve decided just to hang out in the hotel this evening. There’s a lovely bar downstairs and a McDonald’s next door, so we’ll be well fed and watered.

A good day for a hanging

CSM MFA - Progress Blog, Interim Show

Today was the unwrap our artworks and find a pozzy for them day. I found a suitable place for my painting, but while I was having lunch, a curatorial decision was made to move it. I eventually found an even better place, and my painting is now hanging in the Chain Store, Trinity Buoy Wharf, in my first ever London exhibition.

Even better than hanging my painting, was meeting, in the flesh, the other people on the course. It was amazing how familiar everyone felt, and how easily we all got on. It was also great to see everyone else’s artworks. Here is a video the lovely Jo took towards the end of the day, you can partially see my painting, which is blue, behind a long white bobbily thing hanging over a nest with eggs in it.

I really love the Trinity Buoy Wharf. There are lots of outdoor sculptures about the place, as well old pieces of wharfy-type machinery that I think are beautiful. But best of all, the wharf borders the confluence of the river Lea and the mighty Thames, making it a very special place indeed.

Here are my favourite sites on the wharf:

Seeing we are in London, my fella and I decided to live it up this evening. First we went to the new Canada Wharf Mall, and bought some innersoles and a pair of scissors, then we sat on a ledge, cut out our innersoles, and stuffed them in our shoes. Both of us have really sore feet, me because my shoes are new, and my fella because he’s not used to walking further than to his car in his fancy shoes.

After our fun-a-minute mall adventure, we went back to the same restaurant as last night, mostly for the chips, but also because I love a routine, even if it’s just a day old. You have to admit, it is a beautiful restaurant.

Day drinking is not for everyone

CSM MFA - Progress Blog, Holidays, Interim Show

I’m a lame drinker. I hate the feeling of being drunk and loath hangovers. Plus, I am prone to migraines, so I can’t over do it. Still, offer me a drink in the middle of the day, and I’ll likely say yes. In my opinion, there are few greater pleasures in life than drinking during the day. When that day is on holiday, the pleasure is even greater. By far the best holiday drink is on the plane. It is a libation of sorts, separating the mundane from the marvellous. Our trip to London finally rolled around today, and like all good holiday goers, we began by drinking on the plane.

Once in London, we hightailed it to the exhibition venue at Trinity Warf to drop off the painting I am showing. I got to meet our wonderful course leader, Jonathan, in the flesh for the first time, and also had a tour of the space, which is amazing.

My fella and I then took a stroll to Canary Warf and found a beautiful restaurant on the water called The Hawksmoor. We went to the lower part of the restaurant, called The Lowback, which was a bit more casual, due to our somewhat scruffy, country-bumpkin attire.

The food was great and included the best chips I have ever eaten, as well as these salted caramel things that seemed a bit piddly sitting on the plate, but were ridiculously delicious.

It was dark and raining on our way back to the hotel, but the combination of the rain and lights from the surrounding buildings looked beautiful, and reminded me of why I love cities.

Equally beautiful is the view from our hotel, which includes a glimpse of the Thames. I’m completely in love with the river after reading Peter Ackroyd’s book about it. It has a long and fascinating history, and is full of wonder and mystery. I look forward to exploring it in person over the next few days.

Dotty is as dotty does

CSM MFA - Progress Blog, Experiments, Painting, project 1, Research Project

I love dots. I love seeing them and I love putting them in my paintings. Nearly all my paintings have at least a little bunch or line of dots. In fact, most have lots of dots, and there are some that are completely covered in them. Dots are a pleasure to paint and are like sugar for my eyes. Basically, I can’t get enough of them.

Another thing I love are patterns. Whether in nature or by human hand, seeing a pattern makes my heart happy. If coupled with symmetry, as any self-respecting pattern is, then I am compelled to stop and stare, and invariably take a photo. For this reason, I have more photos of the spectacular wrought-iron work I saw on our recent holiday to Tuscany, than of the stunning scenery. Just ask my fella, he had to stop and hold my handbag every time I saw a lattice, and practically every house in the hill-top medieval towns we visited had them.

The beauty of the lattice-work I saw, inspired me to begin including it my paintings, which I did for a series I painted while at the Royal College of Art Summer School. I think it’s probably best not to over do it, but I little here and there looks lovely.

For the green paintings I’m doing for my first research project, I’d like to include more complex pattern work. So this past week, I have been experimenting with patterns from Victorian wallpaper. I like the results so far. When I am in London next week, I will try and visit the Victoria and Albert Museum to find some more inspirational patterns.

My fella has a rover eye

CSM MFA - Progress Blog, Project 2, Week in Review

If I’m out with my fella and he does a double-take, I don’t have to look around to confirm my suspicions. I can tell by the goofy look on his face that he’s spotted a dog. It’s like he has a special dog-radar. If one is in the vicinity – even crouched down in a car or hiding under a bush – he’ll spot it. I am regularly reminded that the only thing he loves more than dogs is me. It’s true that if the house was on fire and it was me or the dog, he’d rescue me first, but, you can guarantee, he’d then risk his life to go back in and rescue the dog. That’s the kind of dog-loving fella he is.

We reached the grand milestone of four years together yesterday. I completely forgot, until he turned up at the studio with two bunches of flowers. That wouldn’t have been so bad if I hadn’t forgotten Valentine’s Day as well. To be precise, I forgot to get him anything, while he surprised me with three lovely presents from a gift shop in town, and a dinner at the local pub.

To make amends, I bought him a belated gift. For future refence: an after-the-fact Amazon gift that you also bought two Valentines ago is bad! Luckily it was a Star Wars t-shirt, which seemed to soften the blow. The upshot is, he’s completely amazing when it comes to rescuing and romance, and I should live on my own with a cat.

I wish I could say that I’ve made great progress on the green paintings. But the truth is, I’ve mixed a bit of paint here and there, producing greens I neither like nor want to use, and that’s about it. Instead, I’ve been spending most of my time on the Ann painting, and I’m not even sorry. The home-stretch of a painting like Ann is an unmitigated pleasure, and I am savouring every moment. I was secretly hoping to have it finished before I go to London next week. But even if I worked on it all day and night, it still wouldn’t be finished. Besides, it would be reckless to try and rush it at this stage, as that is how mistakes are made.

As pleasurable as painting Ann is, it is also really nerve wracking, especially at this late stage. There’s no fixing a delicate, pristine painting like this, so damaging it is some way would be heart-breaking, not just because of the labour involved, but for the painting itself. Like a mother hen, I think all my chicks are beautiful, but Ann, she is beautiful and then some.

I miss my dead-lady-bed

CSM MFA - Progress Blog, Experiments, Green, Interim Show, Painting, project 1, Research Project

I love a good nap. And by far the best napping I have ever done was in my dead-lady-bed. The bed was a fixture in my last apartment, which I rented for 12 years (the longest I’ve lived anywhere). It got its dead-lady moniker because I am convinced an old lady died in it. It was a single, motorised bed that moved up and down, like you find in an old-folks home, and had a mattress so insanely comfortable, that even though I now sleep in a fancy super-king bed with a memory-foam mattress, I still find myself hankering for the warm embrace of my dead-lady-bed.

Coincidently (or perhaps not), the painting I had in mind for the Interim Show featured a dead lady in a bed. Although I wasn’t able bring the whole concept of the painting to fruition in time (of which the dead-lady-in-a-bed was just one element), it certainly wasn’t for want of trying.

Even though the painting doesn’t yet exist in its final form, I love it with a passion, and will do everything within my artistic powers to make it exist. Seeing the little experiments above gives me heart that it will!

Keep it simple, Stupid

CSM MFA - Progress Blog, Experiments, Green, Painting, project 1, Research Project

After getting myself in a right pickle with my interim show painting, and almost flogging it into oblivion, I decided to take a more simple approach to the green paintings. My main focus at the moment is colour. Using the colour wheel I mentioned in my last post, I set myself the task of mixing my own greens using two colours, and then adding black and white to create different tones. I then added a colour on the opposite side of the wheel, known as a complimentary colour, and painted some little paintings to explore the colours and tones I created.

For my first experiments, I used phthalo green (blue shade) and yellow light, with red violet as the complimentary. It was nice not to have the pressure of creating an actual painting, and because I wasn’t trying so hard, some little paintings did pop out. The lighter tones are too bright and minty for the underwater paintings I have in mind, although they might be good for the odd highlight here and there. I really like the darker tones, and will definitely keep them in my bag of tricks. I also think it works better when the complimentary colour is quite strong, as in the painting below (which is of my fella playing Destiny and losing his hair from the stress of it).

Last week I decided to declutter the studio. Wow, what a difference it makes. I love being in here even more now, and find it much more conducive to arting. Of course, unless you’re a de-clutterer of the ruthless variety, the clutter has to go somewhere. Mine has gone into the room that my fella was going to use as an office. However, the non-fibre broadband we have out here in the woop woops isn’t good enough for his job, so he still works in his flat in Ramsey. With the empty space too tempting not to fill, it is now home to canvases and paints and things. According to my fella, I have now peed in every corner of the house, and if we ever do get fibre out here, he’ll need to water-proof the shed.