It’s been a whirlwind of art activity since my last post in March, starting with the ‘Rhythm’ group exhibition in April.
It was a dramatic week weather-wise (the wettest week we’ve had in Edinburgh this year, up to now!), and this coupled with ferocious winds, sadly brought down a huge old tree further along Dundas Street. However, it didn’t stop the hardy visitors armed with umbrellas braving the storms throughout the week, or our cheery tulips flowering away in their wee buckets on the railings!
After the weather discussions, there was lots of arty chat, lovely feedback and a delve into what the visitors themselves were creating. I met a photographer, who was in the process of putting together a book of seabirds, in particular detailing those that can be found along the East Lothian coastline. He described the hours of patiently waiting for just the right shot, and the emotional effects of these incredibly special moments that he had captured.
His photographs were stunning, and although it will be a long time before publishing, I’m looking forward to seeing the final result. However, I jotted down his name, and now I can’t find the piece of paper, but I’ll do some investigating on this!
Another visitor was interested in making her own paper, we had a lengthy chat about our favourites (mine has to be mulberry paper!) and the different methods used around the world in paper-making. She had just returned from an inspriing trip to India, and was looking for a workshop locally where she could try it out. I find it really interesting to share and learn about all these different practices, especially the inspiration behind the projects.
I’ve also been curios to learn about encaustic and cold wax painting. So, a couple of weeks ago I treated myself to a day workshop. To be welcomed to the studio with the aroma of molten bees wax warming in the pans was lovely! A brush was used to quickly spread the wax over mount-board, and it was amazing how quickly it solidified. The pure wax gave a lovely pale yellow surface, and a lovely richer yellow was created with the wax that had pigment added to it.
The solid surface could then be carved into, or left as a base and a cold wax paste mixed with oil paint could be applied to the surface and also scratched into when dry. It was a mark maker’s delight! I stuck collage papers onto my board before I started, and so when scratching into the wax the collage could be seen (photo above!).
I really enjoyed the results, and I’m mulling over ideas of how I could incorporate this process into my work. Another lovely result from such an enjoyable day was that my hands were so soft with the lovely bees wax!
I’m now winding down for the summer as my family will soon be arriving from New Zealand. I’m looking forward to precious time spent with my easels in the garden, tiny hands in messy paint, and the paddle-pool to wash them all afterwards!
However, lots of exciting events will still be happening!
From this Saturday (25th May) I will have work at Whitekirk Hill, the beautiful countryside retreat in East Lothian. It’s the Paintbox School of Art’s, Professional Development Alumnae Exhibition, and it runs through until the last week in July, so a great chance to see all of the ten artist’s work brought together again. It’s a lovely space to exhibit (in their lofty welcome area) and right opposite the is the Orangery and Walled Garden Terrace - I can highly recommend their hassleback potatoes!
Since completing the Professional Development course last year I’ve continued with monthly mentoring sessions at Paintbox. These have been invaluable for discussing new ideas, ironing out any hiccups, and chatting with friends (a lot of this!). The last session is in June and so I hope to do some more exploring with the cold wax, and maybe use silk thread - we shall see!
Also in June, I’m delighted to have been invited to exhibit four of my new pieces from the Tidelines and Sea Thrift series in the Summer Show at Dukes of West Barns Gallery in Dunbar. It's such a lovely gallery situated in the former West Barns Inn. The buildings have been renovated beautifully to include the gallery, artist studios, workshops, and the Duke’s Cafè Bistro.
The exhibition runs from 6th June to 28th August, so lots of time for summer days out gallery browsing, a bite to eat and a walk along the beautiful John Muir Way!
It will be lovely to have a couple of months off, jotting down inspirational notes, absorbing the coastline and having a good think! Along with the cold wax ideas, I’m contemplating going larger with a few statement pieces, so will be researching boards and the ups and downs involved of going large. I’ll probably start with meter square paper to see how it feels - again, we shall see!
Thanks so much for reading, enjoy the summer months, and for those in the Southern Hemisphere - keep warm and cosy.
Janette
Whitekirk Hill
North Berwick, EH39 5PR
Alumnae Show
25th May - 26th July 2024
Duke's of West Barns
5 Duke St, Dunbar, EH42 1UR
Summer Show
6th June - 28th August 2024
Fascinating Janette. I'd love to learn more about using wax, it's on my list!
G