I picked my brushes up again this week. But before I get to that bit, I want to share this painting with you. I bought this view of Irwell from an artist called Olga Gerke, who lives in Manchester. I like much of Olga's work which I found on Facebook, but this image has more than the sum of its parts. The palette allows for atmosphere, the tone I can feel. For my mind, this is an excellent painting, and I am very happy to own it - many thanks to Olga who also left a book in the bag with the painting in it....
The book is called The Invention of Morel -
I can't be given a book by mistake and not read it. What I find fascinating about this book is to discover that it links to one of the only games I have ever played on my home computer, holed up in a storage corridor tap tapping social care assignments in the late 1990s.
How odd that life provides this timely reminder for reflection.
Back then, I was scrambling to become a professional health and social care worker - first in the family to gain a university qualification. I recall that moment of realisation when the results came in, and certificates sent through the post, for a cv folder yet to be filled.
But now, as I plunge further into Mr Bioy Casares island world of fluid thought, I find his words to be only trees and scenery for this reflective act, which is comforting in the sense that, I have during the time since tap tapping in a storage corridor on the tenth floor of a high rise flat, been developing a parallel artistic journey. Creating work for canvas and page.
I have been developing a sense of creative honesty for about ten years now. And I feel very much humbled when another soul sees this...is able to delve under the veneer we project into the day to day - I am humbled by this image...
Rama Jamoukha's work I am also familiar with, and Facebook does hold merit outside of speed dating the politics out of each other - sometimes words can have a day off and the eyes can do the talking.
This week, I have painted four townscape views of my home town Rochdale - here is a view of Richard Street. Richard Street has its walkers,wasters and workers, and the aptly named 'penny bridge' is nearby.
I have also been progressing 'NUDE', now the title of the piece. I feel that the piece speaks...
Oil and Acrylic on Canvas - almost complete now - just some work on the candles and the buttocks
The launch went very well - it was indeed a pleasure to attend and read, my thanks again to those who turned out on a Monday evening - Isis is a lovely venue for food, art and of course, poetry - if you are ever at a loose end in Levenshulme - then say no more...
If you missed the launch - then come to Longsight Library, 5th May 2011
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