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IN THE STUDIO
At the start of 2009 I began working in a method that I have been thinking
about for quite some time.... to move over to using totally natural materials in my work.
Now, this wasn't as straight-forward as you might suppose, but after some
(no, a lot!) of research online I
have found some wonderful methods of producing pigments and ways of making
my own binders to help me on my journey
to become a more environmentally friendly artist.
It must be no accident that I met a lady in 2004 who makes jewellery. We
have become firm friends since then. I was chatting to her one day earlier
this year when she mentioned she was grinding up semi-precious gems to
incorporate into her bespoke jewellery. At this point in time I had
discovered some lovely earth pigments but was lacking blues and greens. That
was it....I was introduced to Malachite and Lapis Lazuli. Thank you
paula! And since then it has just got better and better.
I now make my own paper, gesso, glues and binders as well as my own paints
all from natural sources. I do buy a few materials from one or two
superb Eco suppliers / quarries in France and Germany, but in the main my
ethos is to make my own art materials from resources locally (and usually
free) to me.
I have taken to wondering around the garden and local lanes for any
interesting materials than can be crushed and ground, boiled or brewed. Old
pieces of slate and terracotta roof tile
(ancient and modern) create fantastic shades of grey and red earth and even more
exciting, even though I have to buy them, are semi-precious gems (in the
form of beads pre-drilled ready to make jewellery - but instead they get
bashed!.
I make inks from plants and herbs, some of which I am
growing deliberately in my garden for their pigment qualities.
Part of my work involves recycled materials, and where better to utilise
these than in collage. I combine man-made rubbish with my natural glues and
pigments to create pieces that will complement a home or office wall space.
My next step is to get working on a larger scale. I am thinking also about
wall hangings rather than paintings .... but you'll have to wait and see
what develops.
Back to the studio:
Here are a few photos to give you a glimpse into my world.
Lapis Lazuli:
A nice little gem soon to be turned to dust
Here is is. Lapis Lazuli, used since ancient times to create a beautiful
blue.
Mount cutting - I haven't worked out an eco equivalent yet, but give me
time. Hand-made paper mounts may well come into fashion soon!
Paper made from iris leaves
Making paper is child's play! even a seven-year-old can do it.
art isn't for the elite - everyone can paint and create, they just have to
want to!
February 2010
Well, a once a year catch up isn't bad really is it?? I have been a very bad
artist! I have not painted anywhere near as much as I should have done, and
have been seriously distracted since the autumn with an exciting research
project on behalf of good friend and author, Cassandra Eason.
However, now the spring of 2010 is looming I have given myself a good old
kick up the backside and got back into my creative activities. I have a few
pieces to finish but I am content with the way things are progressing.
I am looking forward to the spring and summer when I will be venturing forth
in my search of earth pigments; hopefully all free, if I am luck enough to
stumble upon so ancient roadside quarries! My plans are to go down to colour
heaven - Provence. Maybe during the Easter holidays if all goes to plan.
Here I hope to visit the ochre mines and factories that is the source of
some of my pigment.
I have been brewing some black walnut husks since the autumn, and the juice
is now ready to process into a decent quantity of ink. It is one of the few
dye pigments that is very lightfast so I am hoping to get some good use from
it. I have done some lightfast tests with various plant dyes, but most,
sadly, do not hold up to my expectations. Mind you, nor does the biro ink
that was written beneath each sample!!
Paper making has been exciting and I am now using homemade paper in various
collage projects. My favourite so far has been made from iris leaves - but
the funniest one was made with donkey pooh!
I have been working with my gelatine glue mixture for a while now and am
quite content with it, not only as a glue for collage but as a binder for
the earth pigments. I still have plenty of exploration down this avenue
though and I am also trying to achieve a nice glossy or semi-glossy
water-based natural varnish.
It is early in the year, and I hope that 2010 will prove to be even more fun
in the studio than last year.
If you would like to ask me a question, please
contact me. |
