Its a relief to respond to the burgeoning energy that Spring brings us.
After winter months that were relentlessly grey, wet and cold, and in
which my ability to ‘make’ work seemed at least waterlogged, even
stuck in the mud, thankfully we’re now blessed with sunshine, warmer
breezes and colour all round.
And my making is back on target, which it needs to be with my second
exhibition of 2026 imminent (7 May) and another solo show beginning
July 7.
Primrose, Oxlips and bluebells in the garden, with tulips close on their
heels, inspired these two 12cm square collages on paper, which I
promptly fixed onto white painted 20cm cradled boards, and delivered
to The George Farnham Gallery, Saxmundham, for inclusion in their
spring show, currently running. The image on the right illustrates how
they work on their painted boards.
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(I couldn’t resist adding the snail from the magic roundabout in the
image on the right!! There was a shape which just said ‘snail’ to me in
the abstract composition, and then there was no turning back.)
Both these small pieces say ‘juicy’ to me. And with another solo coming
up I feel there’ll be more in this vein, but larger. In my new garden
whose soil seems to be like rock, I will soon be planting strawberries in
the raised bed I invested in. Can’t wait to enjoy the delicious red fruits.
Also looking forward to Sainfoin plants, a green manure crop which has
the most bee friendly and beautiful flowers, and whose deep tap roots
will help the soil structure. I’m sure these colours will press to be
incorporated into work which speaks of abundance. Wild garlic and
newly planted evergreen ferns will offer a green foil to these reds and
lilacs.
Final note on plants and this coming to life theme relates to the
planting of the ferns. The house I bought in late 2024 unfortunately
had two large areas of Astroturf. Laid professionally, I thought for some
time that the best I could do after its removal was spread shingle.
Overwhelmed with too much shingle though, one day I knelt down and
began to explore. A few inches down, and after cutting away the thick
membrane, I found grey soil. Excellent. I’m now looking forward to
seeing another colourful plot take shape and thrive.
I do love plants!
Other new work which is going into the 7th May exhibition at CraftCo,
Southwold (please see “Events’), includes these Southwold Harbour
and beach inspired collages. Interesting to see how colour is beginning
to enter these pieces too.
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If you’ve read this far, thank you.
I look forward to our paths crossing at some point.
Do sign up on my contact page to receive Mailchimp updates about
forthcoming shows. You will not be bombarded!!