This is my first newsletter for a while. A quick update on St Leonards, I love it!
Since my move here I have been writing for the local paper, The Hastings Independent’s/art section. This came about after I was interviewed by Nick & Helen Pelling who also write for the paper and they suggested that I should do the same. I thought "okay, why not" and up to now have enjoyed writing, its also given me the chance to meet a lot of creative people in the local area. If you want to read my articles and the one about me click on this link. As well as writing I have been working on new artwork. Although it's an old theme of mine, on the surface, there is a lot more to explore. For this series I have been using wooden panels, wood suits my work well as it's a lot more durable than canvas, it takes well to sanding and scraping of the surface. I will be using it a lot more.
It's been a long time since I have had an exhibition or event to report but a bit like buses three come along. I was part of an auction last week for the Hastings independent, the catalogue is here.
I donated an artwork called "An iceberg through a slaughterhouse window" which sold. I have two exhibitions planned for next year see my event page for details. I plan to make up for lost time and have a lot more exhibitions next year.
This work titled "An unusual lightness, like bland innocence", is from my new series of paintings on wood panels. Oil on wood 51 x 41 cm. For Sale
One of many things I like about St Leonards/Hastings is the number of small independent galleries and the number of private views there are mainly on a Friday evening. A couple of highlights included Shadowlands, an alternative photography process a group show featuring six artists. I enjoyed seeing the different processes achievable in photography. The exhibition was part of the month-long Hastings photo festival featuring artists from the photo Hastings group. The second exhibition is currently on at The Big Yin Gallery in London Rd St Leonards and featuring Harry Mcmorrow. I loved Harry's quirky loud tufted tapestries. According to the catalogue, they are images and characters from classical Mythology associated with the pop art movement, so it's well worth a visit.
Finally, there are many lovely walks in St Leonards and the Hastings area. It's on these walks I have found artistic inspiration. It's not always a lovely building, of which there are many, or a stunning landscape, but it could be on the ground or a derelict wall or building that takes my interest. This is evident in my ongoing series of photographs/ digital paintings. This work is entitled Confront the silence without light.
So that's about it for this newsletter, but if you would like to see my new work then please check out my website and the usual social media sites. In my next letter, I hope to have more information about my group exhibition in March.