I am finding that a lot of artists and makers are bemoaning not being able to get the materials that they have previously used. In my case it applies to raw pigments, and varnish, and so age old techniques that were part of an artists palette can no longer be sourced. I know that we have to live in the world as it is today, but we are also losing something valuable. Paint used to be made up using real raw pigments, like for example Lapis lazuli, mix them with binders and fillers themselves and create their own paint, and I used to be able to buy all the materials I needed from artists supply stores, but now the word I fear most is discontinued! My most recent bereavement is polyurethane varnish, I could scream at the loss of it, apparently regulations are not allowing  the old recipe because of particulates, I have rung manufacturers and they agree that there are problems with the new recipe, but cannot help me with the problems I have now. Aaaaaaaah! 

 My process requires a recipe using earth pigment, which I have to buy from Germany, and a varnish that is no longer made, the image is part of a layering process I have that requires build up of multiple layers. If anyone has old stock of polyurethane varnish I would be interested in taking it off your hands, seriously.

I regard my works as landscape, I think of my work as conceptual, contemporary, abstracted, post modern,………

I could go on and on and on…….  So how do you choose your box?, or do you just order a job lot from the wholesalers and do them all? I have a problem with that though , as there are not enough days, weeks, months, years! I look at an Earthscape, which is what I called them in one exhibition, but I also think they are equally metaphors for emotions as well, so am I saying that these images are open to interpretation? of course! Of course they are, so back to my dilemma, are they landscapes? conceptual…………oh  oh, groundhog day!

This is a drawing of sunlight pouring through a chasm, but is it hope? or despair, is your glass half full or half empty?

Sketch for new panel, inspired by wave patterns and formations both on land and in the sea. So much of my work encompasses change from one, to another, from light to dark, and because of my technique using relief, gilding and distressing, the work incorporates a changing light and so a time change dimension. I hope to shortly put on website a time lapse video to show exactly this. I have resorted to prep work that can be done in the warmth of the house till I can heat up my studio/shed.

Happy New Year everyone, Hope you all had a great holiday, I know I did, which makes back to work a bit of a reality check. I start by making copious to do lists, but no resolutions, just, a get on with it attitude. Very often I am told how lucky I am to be an artist, people imagine that you spend most of your time in a creative Valhalla, but let me burst that bubble immediately, I adore the time I can just get on with my work, BUT, I also have to be an administrator, publicist, materials buyer, net worker………………………………………..it goes on, and so for the next two weeks at least that is what I will be doing. I wish you all a peaceful and happy new year.

I intend to organise an “At Home”, or “Open Studio”, for the middle of November, so I have a lot of planning to do.

I find I need to have dead lines, and this will be good motivation for me to clear out the decks, offer some bargains and special deals. Iv’e picked out the weekend commencing Friday 13th Nov and finishing on Sun 15th, obviously lots of stuff to work out yet, I’ll keep y’ll posted.