We have had a rather exciting time recently and all the celebrating, visiting, driving and moving stuff has thrown my work routine off kilter. I have found a little time here and there, but yesterday when I finally had most of a day to be in the studio, I felt flabby and not in the least match fit. I couldn't remember where I'd left off and what I was thinking. I began, but it was uncomfortable.
Ruth Philo told me about Rebecca Solnit's book A Field Guide to Getting Lost and I am reading that, slowly, alongside other things. I have been looking too, noticing the bands of colour that compose the fields. I can't believe I have never noticed how the ragged robin sprouts above the wheat and barley, to edge the fields in pink, and the washed out lavender of the thistles. The colours of high summer make a beautiful palette. The landscape is dry, the skies are moody and what wonderful shapes growing makes.
I have a rather tight deadline to get my work for the Inspired By Becker exhibition made. I did get the frames and matts made to fit my plate appropriately, so at least I don't need to finish in time for framing…. but I haven't succeeded in making a monotype yet that captures something about the light of Suffolk and evokes Harry Becker on some level. For the past two days I worked in colour (Akua Intaglio) and value and then used soft pastel on top. I am hoping for something looser, moodier and more surprising.
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