Lineage!

The Tree of Jesse.

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The three trees spoken of in the bible: The Tree of Jesse

                                                              The tree of Knowledge

                                                              The tree of life

For this module my thoughts turned to life lines and lineage, births and deaths, seeds and continuance and cyclic growth.  The connotations here are many and restricting myself was difficult - I could go with the spiral forms found in nature and very obvious in Klimt's Tree of Life. I did a transposition of this in my work - book and later it was Study 3 for final hand in and presentation, in collage form on green wrapping paper.

Study 1 was developed slowly, by looking at Picasso and his sculpture `Woman with Foliage` and the consideration that his thoughts may have been with regard to Cassandra and the reaching for the seed of perfection?  The `Green Man` was delved into and wiring of paper leaf shapes.  Graham Sutherland and his Tree Form 1941, was interesting and dark!  I looked at how colour can affect the thoughts of a viewer. The outcome for study 1 was an integration of a human form into a tree form and was labour intensive and `tight`.  Not an enjoyable study!  

I did a study of windswept leaves in my favoured medium (pastel),
and this brought to mind `Rhapsody on a Windy night` by T.S.Eliot.
                 The Memory throws up high and dry,
                 A crowd of twisted things;
                 A twisted branch upon the beach,
                 Eaten smooth and polished,
                 As if the world gave up its skeleton.

Beautiful words always inspire beautiful work.  The second study was the twisted branch!  A familiar piece that had been with us for years - which seems quite significant with the subject matter.  This part branch was found on the beach years before and had been used in numerous things - either on the garden as an emphasis for a group of small plants or as an accompaniment to a flower arrangement for the village show.  I used it for my final piece for this module.

The bible was wired and opened at relevant pages as this subject was taking in the death of the world and probable re-birth!  I made the gravestone with a hole through which the wood was put and the wire continued up from the book.  The wire was twisted into a tight spiral on the reverse of what you see in the picture and held an acorn with root extended to the earth.   I thoroughly enjoyed the making of this piece together with the research into it, and on the whole was pleased with my work and what it said.

`Labelled`

`LABELLED`

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This is the sub-title of my Sketchbook for my class, and that is what I thought referred to me absolutely. Perhaps I have been labelled through my life, but it seemed to matter more what was thought of me now! This course was so life changing for me and I cannot thank my tutor enough for that.  It seems I have been a closet artist all my life -  TIME TO COME OUT OF THE CLOSET  eh?

Let me tell you about another set of `titles` we had to choose a subject from :

In module two I thought about The wrath of Medus; Goncherova; Family Tree.

I had seen the statue of Perseus holding the head of Medusa by Bellini in Florence and was captivated, as I always seem to be with mythology, and it was my initial spark. The art of Goncherova was certainly enthralling, and this moment was when I started to think as a sculptor.... ?  It seems quite obvious now when I analyse these works and my writings in my sketchbook.  The `rayonism` of Goncherova  I could show in 3D, and certainly materials and mediums are abundant, unfortunately, this was new to me and it worried me as to how I would continue and at least explore this artist more.   The choice was made - Family Tree.

Taking the safe option.  My upbringing was within a strict catholic regime.  The Bible came to immediate mind.

This module brought me to appreciate Gustav Klimt.

I subsequently went to see the exhibition in Liverpool - I was awe struck.  Imagine huge pieces of wall displaying the Stoclet Frieze.  FABULOUS.  Such a varied oeuvre.

Filling my `gap`

Eyes wide open.

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It is a fact that I could now see inspiration for my art in many things.   Things that had never had an impact seemed to show me a way to produce different ways to express the ideas I had.  Even standing ironing was a pleasure as I could drift off and imagine colours and shapes and go on to experiment.

I was lucky enough to have great friends who encouraged me to carry on and I have to admit to loving this brain - filling activity.  Books on art started to fill my shelves, borrowed and bought.  (Some I have yet to return!)  Oh. Dear, must do that soon.  Two of my close friends have moved to the other side of the county and therefore cannot call in for a coffee and chat too often.  Still, friends remain close and just as dear, and it is lovely to get together.  One of the books in question, Gombrich: The Story of Art. is a  most important art book and is still good to look into sometimes despite its age.  

It is not only my book collection that has grown:- my book shelves have too.  How can we ever replace books?

One of the early titles I chose for a theme was `Significant Form`.   To a novice this could be a little difficult to interpret.  Of course that was the aim of this course, to find out things.  Clive Bell was a member of the Bloomsbury Group and coined significant form as an art that exhibits beauty through colour and line and therefore engenders intellectual recognition and aesthetic experience in persons of taste.  An intuitive quality known by `rare gift of artistic appreciation`.   Imagine if you can, coming across this intellectual statement when you have chosen this title thinking it and easy task to depict possibly a form of significance.   I knew I was not well enough informed and I began to read and read and read........more and more.......and more......

trying to fill this gap that appeared to be widening! 

At first I did NOT understand I know now, but I was persistent.

How would you expect a piece of artwork to create an emotional aesthetic response?

What does this art do for you:

I can remember being very moved when I first encountered the paintings of Francis Bacon.  Was this an emotional response?  Well of course, but not based on intellectual aesthetics!

The response was sufficient for me at that time - it made me curious, it made me want more, so I decided then to educate myself in the arts as much as I could.

Towards Enlightenment!

Onward Journey.

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The weeks came around so quickly - so much to do in what seemed so little time!  At least my mind was full of ideas.  Susan encouraged us to experiment and let the mind drift - in order to create images for our personal folders.   Every week we would generate ideas on a particular art piece and discuss between ourselves and openly the impression we got with regard to the art work.   

I remember Paula Rego`s work creating all sorts of definitions:  scary, dramatic, threatening, undertones of suggestion, symbolism and also normal things to do with colour and composition.  A lesson for me in accepting the things that jump out at you despite the possibility of an unwanted response.   

It never ceases to amaze me that people from the same area and of a consensus age can react so differently to things of beauty and relevance.........and yet be together on an ART based course.   I can only guess at what our tutor was thinking.   My ignorance in art had become apparent to me, but I wanted to know more.

That's the crux of this story - wanting to learn.   I had opened up the crevice and it was difficult to satisfy its need.

Some of the` artists` on the course were knowledgeable in the arts, and I wanted to be able to converse with them and not feel bewildered.  However,  some of those people did not complete the course!  Some did leave to do other things.  One friend left to partake in the Degree course at Grimsby before finishing - after a presentation made by April Virgoe on the courses that Grimsby Institute offered.  I was envious, but decided to carry on with Susan.  

My final Qualifying piece was completed with Susan and only two other pupils.  It was difficult for Susan because I believe she had to obtain permission from Hull - the affiliated University - to continue.  Still we did it.  

                                                                         

This the Rego Picture that caused a lot of controversy within the class.

                                                                                 ...

Thats all folks!!!: Oh what a wonderful journey.

Thats all folks!!!: Oh what a wonderful journey.: Well it is all done and dusted now -  My journey started in 2009 when I applied to become a student on the B.A. Fine Art Course at Grims...

Beginnings - re-wind!

Thinking Back:

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I never intended to study for a B.A. in Fine Art.  When I entered the class, with trepidation through a large, heavily painted door (that took some courage), there stood a slim lady who welcomed me, and some other folks she seemed to know already.  This art class had been advertised in the local paper, to be held in the emptied room of the `Happy Clappy` church in Louth.   I knew nothing of the outcome that would eventually occur, 6 years later.  In fact, I suddenly realised I knew very little about the art-world.  

Denotation, connotation and semiotics were the order of the day.  Susan Banks a very knowledgeable lady, was the tutor.   It became clear to me that she knew and loved her subject.  Her welcome was warm and it was easy to become enthralled by the group exercises that we would start off with every week.   Nothing more than a few hurried sketches were ever done in the 2 hour lessons, most of our work was done at home.   We were allowed to choose our subject from a list Susan had prepared - perhaps quotes from literature; poetry, shakespeare, idioms etc.  

I left my first lesson on a high, not knowing whether I would be suitable for the rigidity of work that was needed for the modules of lessons, and asking myself all manner of questions with regard to how I got to attend this type of art-class.  Had I misread the advert?  (I re-checked it when I got home)................

Mont Saint-Victoire.

This is one of my pieces from the early classes: A homage to Paul Cezanne.  Pastel was my favourite medium at that time, and probably still is. 

The Final Countdown arrived.

Today started with trepidation - and suddenly improved:  Baz and I arrived around 9.34 at Westward Ho Reception for collection of Module marks, and we were elated   -    1st`s for both of us!!  Wonderful. Couldn`t be happier.  Lots to think about and lots to do - it is funny when the mind relaxes how up pops an idea.  Can it be true that the mind has to empty to gain quality thoughts?

This carved piece started my current body of work and has taken me to a level of finish that is very satisfactory.













What will I feel next?