Monday, July 20, 2009

All Change Please, All Change.

When this year started I thought it was going to be the best ever. I think I was feeling super positive because Obama getting elected meant the world was a good place.

It has turned out to be a very changeable, expensive, sad and devastating year, so far, for me and mine. Topsy-turvy and tragic.

I have not been painting as much as usual (which is often everyday). I am not one of those painters like Maggi Hambling said she is, when I saw her speak in Soho a few years ago, who paints to get through the hard times, who soothes themselves with the act of creating. When I am sad, it is difficult to find the place I paint in, I have less access to that part of my brain. I have been experimenting with oil painting on gessoed paper and on wood panels. I have done a few nice paintings. If you came to the Open Studios at the Abbey Art Centre a few weeks ago, and came all the way out back, you may have seen some of the new work.

I will have even moved studio twice in 4 months! My paintings are so big and so numerous that it takes 2 huge van trips. Which is both expensive, and exhausting. Moved house, too. Also expensive and exhausting. Still waiting for the phone to be connected so no broadband. Will upload some new paintings when it is set up again.

I have been fortunate enough to be accepted by the Barbican Arts Group Trust and I am moving to Blackhorse Lane Studios in a few days. It will be very different to the Abbey, which I will miss, it is so beautiful there. I was there such a short time but I feel honoured to be a part of the history of such a great place. The new studio is close to home so more painting will get done and then I will feel myself. We are having an Open Studios in Sept. Come by and see the new work.

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