Tag: Abstract

Finding Affinity in The Black Fantastical

Exhibitions & Events, Symbolism & Storytelling in Art

I saw the In the Black Fantastic exhibit at the Haywood Gallery. A big show of artists from the African Diaspora. Including Chriss Ofili, Nick Cave, Hew, Locke and others. Below is the full list of artists at the In the Black Fantastic

Artists at In The Black Fantastic

  • Wangechi Muto
  • Lina Iris Viktor
  • Hew Locke
  • Nick Cave
  • Tabita Rezaire
  • Rashaad Newsome
  • Ellen Gallagher
  • Chris Ofili
  • Cauleen Smith
  • Kara Walker

I was excited to feel a sense of affinity developing as I saw the work of these artists. That sense of like mind arose because many of these famous artists used gold or gold leaf, some used gems or Swarovski crystals. I saw gemstones sprinkled and how some used raffia trim as fringing on the edge of a painting. Others used fringing within the painting.
I loved the idea of fantastical art as it is an escapist emancipatory healing kind of space to work within as an artist.

I get a sense of hope, but it is not blind hope. It is the kind of surreal conceptualisation of the future that recognises the hurt that has gone before in a beautiful way.

  • Swarovski Crystals are used to let eyes sparkle
  • Mahogany and crystals used
  • Interesting texture with gems
  • Raffia trim on artwork with 24K gold
  • 24 karat gold, string texture

In the Black Fantastic is showing at the Haywood gallery London until 18th September 2022. It is a little awkward to get there. The nearest entrance is on the south side of the Waterloo bridge,

Introducing Painted Potions

Art & Illustration

I’m creating painted potions. They look good, feel good (because of the textures) and they’re full of ingredients that do you good.

In psychology, it is vital to integrate the self. I feel that the painted potions I create to uplift home office scenes express all of my talents and everything I am good at and love to do.

Some might say it is brut art because I didn’t go to art school (for fine art) and sometimes I use my hands. But I taught in a world-class art school for about 10 years, and I wonder whether those years count. I probably absorbed the artistic rules and principles while chatting to colleagues about student work and the issues in the industry.

Training in scientific aromatherapy over 25 years ago helps me to understand the chemical qualities of things like lavender and lemon verbena and what they are known to do to the body. 

In the pictures are painted potions in the process of making. They take several days and weeks to make as I spend hours deciding how to build up the layers, aromas and textures for the desired effect. Close up. I like to use expensive fabric in my painted potions. Some of it is a bit of deconstruction another bit of it is about what they add aesthetically.

The painted potions I have been creating use helpful herbs like lavender, lemon verbena, rose and myrrh. They smell great. The painted potions also give a nod to crystal therapy as I’ve been using citrine, turquoise and other gemstones with their wonderful energy, so far. I have collected lots over the years.

One day I shall tell you about my early years as a therapist who used more fluid an unction, lotions and potions to uplift the spirits of stressed-out clients in spas salons around the world. But for now, let’s admire the notion of painted potions.

Those are the first two ways my experience is integrated within my panted potions.

Multimedia collage of fabric, acrylic paint herbs, gems and beads.

Next time I shall tell you about the work I’ve been doing around the workplace wellbeing for 10 years and how that has meaning for these painted potions too.

Sister inspired green and lush art: Land of Giant Kiwi

Art & Illustration

For some reason my sister really loved this painting.

I didn’t like it because it felt a bit muddy in places and mentally I probably wasn’t in a positive head space when creating it.

At the time of painting this I was feeling confused by the water misting method of mark making but intrigued by the new lighter textures and marks forming at the same time.

So when I went to digitally enhance this painting with my phone while on the 49 bus from King’s Road to White City, I noticed upon inserting the kiwi fruit and the couple on the palm tree I immediately felt uplifted. As a result that helped me to feel more cheery about the painting. The woman sitting next to me was obviously wondering what I was doing and I felt a twinge of nervousness about that.

I need not have felt embarrassed as I ultimately felt encouraged when I saw how so many people loved and liked this digitally enhanced version on Instagram and Facebook.

It’s funny how digitally enhancing an image that you’ve painted can end up boosting your own mood more positively.

I created a scene that I wish to be a part of. Enjoying the lush steamy environment of the Land of Giant Kiwi.

Note to self is that I shall look further into the benefits of digitally enhancing items I paint in future.