Moving and Changing, Growing and Learning

Well I am about to embark on a new home, new location, new country. Very exciting times!

I feel this is coming at a time when my artwork is expanding - hmmmm, maybe it is actually contracting; becoming more real to me and relative to my centre, my self.

I know the landscape of New Zealand has already affected my eyes, and they way I look; the way I see. I am sure this will add to the profound changes about to occur in my image making. Images held in my mind for so long will now have a chance to cross-pollinate and thereby expand.

Stay tuned for more images and changes.

I leave you with a few images: experiments towards future artworks and a taste of my new surroundings. To quote Buzz Lightyear:To the future and beyond!!!!

Thank you to my always inspirational friends: Brian and Evon, and always Ed and Maxx - my constant inspiration!!

You win some, you lose some

Recently I was approached by a council to create a sculpture. But as you might guess by the title of this post - it didn't all go according to plan. Lack of communication between the various stakeholders made the project collapse.
I approached it with confidence and excitement, commitment and pleasure in the chance to solve the client brief while managing expectations. Did I mention optimism? Ever the optimist - perhaps the next commission will proceed.

The image of a carer and child began with drawings. Then I built a wooden frame onto which I attached styrofoam. I carved the styrofoam and then applied a layer of wax. The wax was carved to the final form. Here I share the stages of the making with you.

I enjoy making glass sculpture ...

see this video to understand how very much!! Thank you to Dana for the video production and filming
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WJJ32Bbmmo

Things as we are ...

We don't see things as they are, we see things as we are.
- Anais Nin

Things as we are ...

Just another way in which I describe why I make what I make.
I see and observe things every day and these observations become the images I create.
A variety of moods and expressions all depending upon the direction my attention goes towards and the desire I have to share such observations.
Lately I have been thinking of a series of collages I have made over the years, and now embarking on recreating these in glass. First in glass collages and paintings created in the kiln then placed within sandcast glass forms. Here are some of the collages I refer to depicted above. The first one in paper then in glass and other paper collages – still to be translated into glass.

Why I Make What I Make

So often an artist will get asked: "why do you make the images you do?" the following is my response to that question.

I make images of things that I observe in my life. Whether it is a shadow that falls that reflects what is really going on in a conversation, looks between people in a crowded room, simple observations throughout my daily life. Once taken out of context these observations allow me to express various attitudes and postures between people and objects.

I have no interest at all in creating esoteric objects [note definition of esoteric: understood by or meant for only the select few who have special knowledge or interest] A number of artists seem to enjoy making very esoteric works - with some secret meaning only a chosen few would understand or be able to decipher. What Bullshit!! Art is for all to enjoy. I have an intended image (from my own experiences) and how that image resonates with individuals in dependent upon what the viewer brings to the moment - sparking their own imaginations. Least of all I hope to spark some note of familiarity, or reminder of a feeling in a time or place long gone.

I enjoy making things with my hands - a tangible item that can be considered over time. Nothing perfect, but an object made by hand; made by a person. I want to include people in my thoughts and share common feelings, experiences and emotions. Our emotions and feelings - like the rest of our bodies need exercise - little hints, reminders of feelings and reactions, which in being evoked allow for more feelings and reactions to evolve over time.