I was thinking back on the course I did at CSM this week. Those thoughts helped my plans to integrate paint skins into more of my pieces.
I tried to review at least three of the big famous artworks that use skin, but I got distracted by the work of Frank Bowling. Tate. Arts seem to think he does it, and I need to investigate further. Perhaps it’s that he uses canvas-like skin. I still need to read more of that very long paper.
But I, like Frank Bowling, appreciate the paint’s materiality and exploring how the application could go beyond application with brush/ hands for a powdery film of colour. I like the layers and the flexibility and potential drapery and adornment that might come with using skins.
Because paint skins appeal to my tactile tendencies and kinesthetic sensibilities that I have previously enjoyed with my love of fabric and fabric crafts, I think I shall enjoy exploring how to incorporate more skins into my art.
Looking at Frank Bowling’s work made me also stumble upon the National Portrait Gallery’s list of BAME artists. There are only about 134, and they’ve included musicians and filmmakers. I might write about that another time.
Nevertheless, the thoughts about learnings from previous CSM course content and studio practice, as well as investigating other users of skin and the materiality of paint, has certainly given me some focus.
Home Office Charm 