Undercoat

After another long day of preparation, caulking and sanding, the wood has been undercoated, and there is a new layer of clean white paint on the walls. No prizes for spotting the bit of missing skirting board (I'd forgotten that was why i had a seagrass screen around that corner.) I'm sure there'll be a bit upstairs somewhere I can steal for the cause!

So happy that I can see the stage set beginning to appear in the gallery now.  

Tomorrow I shall be adding the gloss to Christmas. 

More Panelling Required

I have finished the construction of the screen for the sink in the back gallery (apart from the perspex panels) and measured up for the position of the work itself.  I realised that, visually, the panelling on the walls needed adding to, if the work is to hang two frames deep. So, thankfully before I started the painting, I have added two more rows of batons to increase the appearance of regularity and structure within the space.

I am very pleased with the way the project us going so far, and I think I am just about on target, timewise. It's only my own target, but i find it easier to relax in the evening if i am happy with the work I have done.  My intention is to have both rooms ready for the exhibition, and all the frames hung (empty) in time for Rob Tyson's music evening on 10th January, when the programme of events at The Studio Gallery for 2014 will also be available. We have some very exciting things planned for next year. But one thing at a time!!!!, 

First Steps (or first waves of muscular contraction)

This exhibition is as much about the space, as it is about the work itself. In my mind's eye, I have always seen "The Movement and Action of Worms" being set here in The Studio Gallery.

I think when i first moved into the space 4 and a half years ago, i knew it was where my next significant exhibition was going to take place,  but the space needs to look, clean, precise, white - something of the look of a laboratory - yes 'clinical' is the word! And those of you who know the gallery know that it has gone through an enormous number of 'changes' - none of them looking particularly clinical to date.

So starting with the back room, (since the front is my Christmas sitting room) I am clearing it. Adding a screen around the sink unit, which folds back and looks like a window shutter (!). And then painting the whole thing white. 

Although this feels a little bit like it might be a 'displacement activity' from making the work itself, actually setting the scene is vital for my ideas to take shape. The work is already in my head. I need a stage to act them out on.

Hibernating with Worms

The Studio Gallery is closed for the winter, and will now evolve - through my Christmas sitting room - into the exhibition for Coastival - The Movement and Action of Worms. Although I went quiet on this blog, I've been working hard on ideas and images for the exhibition, and I'm really excited to see it come to fruition after 3 years preparation.

“I must own I had always looked on worms as amongst the most helpless and unintelligent members of the creation; and am amazed to find that they have a domestic life and public duties!” (Joseph Hooker, 19th century British botanist)

You will be amazed too!

The "Coastival"  Programme has now been issued. There are 100 events in Scarborough over the weekend of 14-16 February 2014.  Www.coastival.com  www.facebook.com/coastival. Twitter. @coastival

Make sure you try to leave a slot in your busy weekend to come and see the exhibition. 

Friday 14 April  10.00am - 9.30pm 

Saturday and Sunday 15 and 16 February 10.00am - 4.00pm

If you find there is just TOO MUCH to see over the weekend, the Exhibition continues 

Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 20-23 February 10.00am - 4.00pm

I just need to fulfil a commission of Contemporary Quilting by 9th December, and then full steam ahead with the worms.  I can't wait! Try not to be too concerned if worms take the place of tinsel this Christmas!!

Rediscovery of No 8. Barnacle fossil

This piece was No 8 from the 'Voyage of Discovery' exhibition in Cambridge. 

"Barnacle Fossil"  Mixed Media Collage. 

It was bought by Marion Heasman and is in her collection in Bonsall, Derbyshire. Whilst visiting her today, I saw the work again for the first time in 3 years. It was one of the largest pieces in the show (larger than A1) and i was really pleased to see how good it looks in situ at her new house. I was also very surprised at how "worm-like" the barnacle shapes look. probably because I've been focussing on information for my new exhibition.  I may use one of these photographs as the starting point for Movement of Worms piece No 4 'Stucture'

Exhibition Poster

No 26 Ledges on hillside

No 26 ledges on hillside

"If the accumulation of disintegrated and rolled worm-castings were  to become 

confluent along horizontal lines, ledges would be formed." Charles Darwin 1881

Well I really can't expect this to carry on, but the first piece of work for the exhibition is "in the bag". 

Along with the tin design, and the front cover of the accompanying book, 

Work Number 26 is complete.

It is a short video (6 mins) which will loop. And from that a set of 12 prints (stills from the video).

One will appear as a page in the book/catalogue and the whole set of 12 will be available as a 

limited print edition. Very very pleased with it.   Here's a taster.

Still No: 7/12