MA Degree Show 2014

Hello all,  there is just over one week to go before the Private View of our MA Degree show. I have been painting a lot too as I wanted to include some little 'specimen' paintings.. a sort of nod to the theme of entomology which is what my final project is all about.

The final project reflects my conflicted feelings inspired by the Victorian obsession with science and nature and their desire to harness and categorise it.  Elements of capture and release whilst simultaneously enjoying the opportunity to observe in great detail have informed this body of work. I have played with scale, employing various intaglio techniques to create an installation of beetles escaping from their entomological cases back to the environment, whilst simultaneously playing with microscopic elements which would not be possible without their capture.

I am so looking forward to September 4th.  So much hard work has gone into all our work.  It will be sad when it is all over, but I do need to get back to a more normal life!!

Please come if you are in the vicinity!

Here are a couple of images from the show.

Two plate etching - 7 cm x 7 cm

Stow cum Quy - specimen painting 10 x 10 cm

Beetle box - etchings, on photo polymer prints from original photographs.  

That's all for now... see you at the show!

Happy Easter everyone!

Spring is definitely here and I have managed to squeeze a little painting time in between finalising my MA project.  I love the fact that I can get on my bike with all my painting gear and just cycle along the towpath of the River Cam.   

Later I found the lovely spot at Stow cum Quy that my friend Mel introduced me to a few years ago. Quy is prounounced Kwai.  Locally the bridge I was standing on is known as The Bridge over the River Quy/Kwai, although officially it is called Quy water.

Stow cum Quy

River Cam towpath

Four weeks to go until I hand in my work for assessment and that will be the end, except for summer access and our exhibition in September. 

Almost three years glorious years of printmaking and how incredible it has been.  I keep saying I am going to be dragged kicking and screaming from Anglian Ruskin University's print room.  

Now to get on with some gardening.  I am trying to maintain my Dad's standards, but sadly, it's not possible at the moment.

Bye for now.

Twighlight at Stow Cum Quy

10 x 12 Oil/Linen
Available at Newbury Fine Art, Boston, MA

This painting is inspired by a walk that I took last year with my good friend Melanie who lives in Cambridge. Knowing how much I love meandering rivers and the light at dusk she drove me out to this area, Stow Cum Quy, in the fens. The sunset was breathtaking.