Post crit 09/25
I thought I would start by sharing notes from reflection from a large formal crit about my work held in September 2026.
These are notes, and credits at the end. I hope the notes help illustrate the positivity and learning that occurred.
NOTES:
By showing work on paper as a structural narrative provided a context that was true to the scope of my work
I learnt that by working in paint in all its glories and on different surfaces and exploring different behaviours … it’s the stuff in the middle of all the work… the pockets of air… the space itself where the work is … invisible space that holds the meaning of my practise.
It’s the invisible
It’s the conversation
It’s the invitation to join in and create tangents
It’s therefore a series of single and collaborative statements that enable a deep rich visual conversation about who we are and where we live
It’s the power of ( painting) and of good art that it conveys the other.. the subconscious and reflects the condition of our times.
And at the beginning of it all when people were invited to share their thoughts and what they see in the work I was very surprised when many talked about the playful element in all of my work.. the playful giddiness, the joy of expression and the capturing of playful moments.
Phrases I remember were “deceptively simple” and also generosity of spirit in the work itself and in terms of inclusion by inviting others to join in and find out
As I am an “explorer” and fearless and I travel by trying things out, I have created a safe space to intuitively follow on visual ideas that present themselves.
I was surprised as X said he loved the sharing/ educational spirit it has.. that my learning is shared with others, and my learning can open equal conversations and also the work is open ended for others to take what they see / experience and are inspired to run with their own expressions and work.
Photographer said she had loved fusion and what an apt name that is.. a fusion of my work and of ideas it covers everything.
X asked how I get by the notion of making “art”.. and I explained if u frame it as work then it’s do-able.
I asked about categeories.. X said the magic is it isn’t categorised and that it’s more than categories…
I realised I would not want to have an exhibition of photographs only… this in itself was a good realisation as I have been wondering about the place and function of the photographs. Yes, I like books of… but they are snapshots of seen moments, the capturing of light and reflections and capture of moments of noticing and thought. They also capture moments of the Doing process…rather than end points/ final pieces of work.
Maybe all the work is temporary or snapshots of tiny moments…. Caught by the camera.. and of course it all mirrors my life.. temporary, changeable, dust, beautiful moments, fleeting moments of being.
The invisible communication of a moment in time ( exhibition/ public art/ installation) that can never be repeated. It’s always been more than the sum of its parts.
And that’s how it is.
And discovering the relevance of paint on an opaque surface/ paper/ more… it’s still paint and it is paint stopped. The painted mark/s cannot change once on paper. . . it is frozen it is held in the one image. As opposites to paint on transparent which constantly changes and offers infinite images … ( my brain my being) … just as paint expressions can be anyway… and made by anyone… I now understand that yeh paint in opaque is also Ok and works as an essential aspect to the whole practice.
That’s a big realisation.
X told me how well I speak and explain and she remembers the podcast interview with Simon for place of safety.
She mentioned the dancer who has been at aspex in terms of body movement to gesture of response.. to paint maybe.
And about kinetic art.. mobiles.. moved by the wind perhaps.. or even pieces that move from the gentle breeze from the movement from people.
I also realised how I have been trying out ideas in terms of creating shadows with aluminium and my middle bit thinking and play and how paint is at the core of what I do and who I am.
I have tried out ideas and some have not worked but as I gear up to a busy 2026 I can carve an authentic focus from this crit and the overlaps it has had with recent developments
And putting out paint on paper… under the table and in the walls .. the sternum/ bone piece ( vocal chords, a choked voice, larynx) and work that I love is actually an enormous key of revelation… that now will afford a wider and deeper context of my work.
And that’s priceless.
@artistsupport.org.uk
@alysscotthawkins
@iwcreativenetwork
And held and supported @quayarts
