I have been exhibiting my work for nearly thirty years, firstly, part-time while also working as a primary teacher and then full-time for the last ten years. It has been a very fulfilling way to live and I never forget to appreciate how lucky I am....that is not to say that it hasn't been extremely hard work at times!I am lucky in that I have two lovely studios in my garden, one which houses my large etching press and the other a summerhouse with views over the pond and bird feeders so I never have far to wander.The studio assistant is, of course, always with me!
This last year of the pandemic has given me,like many, the opportunity to reflect on things and so this is where I am now! For many years I have had a longing lurking at the back of my mind to create a body of work that depicts the coast of the UK...a small project!
The coast has always figured strongly in my work and often when visiting, for example, the Hebrides or Northumberland I have longed to produce images from there but, needs must,I have had to limit my work to the local area.The only exception to this has been a painting of Newcastle on Tyne for my son and a few handmade books based on Scottish trips which I absolutely loved making.So.. decision made....the time to commit to this project is now!
I am aiming to produce a series of paintings which will also become Giclee prints and cards. Also in mind are small handmade books which will include text and images.My two favourite things have always been creating imaginative text and images...the books are a perfect match! The purpose of this blog is to function as an ongoing record of the project... to post sketches, information found, reference photos, progress shots etc
Lockdown has rather thrown a spanner in the works for travelling any distance but fortunately I have a vast amount of reference material for my little part of the Suffolk coast....no better or safer place to begin!
January 2021
