Its a very healthy and useful thing to occasionally reflect and ‘step back’ in order to check on the journey you are making with your work. I have been fortunate recently to have had that chance with the Digswell Arts Artist of the Month Feature
Current Sketchbook page - Photogram on matt paper
reinterpreting imagery from last years Installation at Wicken Fen nature reserve.
As part of this feature I got to reflect on, and highlight, some of the work i’ve been beavering away at over the past few months.
Small Photogram collages using machine stitch
These collages combine darkroom based photograms, that I have produced at Digswell Arts Forge Studios in Hertfordshire with machine stitch. Myself and a handful of other artists there were keen to explore our photography skills further and with a little bit of jigging we’ve been able to adapt a small space at the studios into a temporary darkroom space. I was also lucky to have lots of equipment donated by 2 very kind local artists who had collected an amazing stash of photographic supplies. It’s good to put it to use.
Photogram glue and tracing paper
Digital Photo, Leigh on Sea, December 2018
Digital image, near Burnham on Crouch, East Coast
Taking this exploration forward - my current work is being shaped by some new sources of inspiration.
On a recent photography trip with Artist Helen Terry, I collected a group of images that record the fragile and transient environment of the mudflats and creeks that splinter the coastal regions of the East of England.
We have also since followed this day up with a shared studio day. Helen and myself have been keen to follow up our exhibition and residency last year with more practical studio days so we have tried hard to squeeze in some time collaborating and working together in ‘the studio’
One of the drawings I produced from the day - ‘ghost’ mono print from carborundum plate , on paper
Coming Up
Myself and Helen plan to have an exhibition of our studio work in the coming year. More to follow
Open Studios at Digswell Arts - May 11/12 2019