Cut Open Preview

Busy weekend, just gone. 
The Cut Open Preview on Saturday - I have three pieces there; hung together in a small group.
It was a bit disappointing, I am sorry to say - not a big turn-out. 

The exhibition space is really big upstairs and they filled it - and the cafe space too, with lots of work... 
We didn't stay too long.





Better day on Sunday...!
That's because I made a trip to see the studio of painter Richard Nejranowski.
The pleasure for me is in the clear consideration involved with his work.
It was a great visit - so useful to see the work in the space in which it is produced and hear Richard talk about it.
We may plan an exhibition together some time in the next year or two - no hurry - still at the thinking stage...and Richard takes time to make his paintings, returning to them over a long period.
Here are a few photos of his workspace and his lovely calm 'colour-field' work:





Although there are undoubtedly influences from Richard Diebenkorn's Ocean Park series in some of Nejranowski's work, there are distinct differences too. 
The small incidents of bright colour and the love of pattern - plus the play at the edges of the canvas - are compositionally akin to my formal concerns. 
That's why I think our work would sit well together in an exhibition space...  

International Collaborative Collage Swap



I'm as excited as when I got a German pen-pal through school, or the time I found a message in a bottle on Lowestoft beach from a child in The Netherlands!
Why? I hear you cry -
Well, I sent off my details to register my interest in the Papirmass and Brown Paper Bag COLLAGE SCRAP EXCHANGE
See more information about this on the Papirmass website HERE


DON'T SEND ANYTHING NOW - IT'S FINISHED
The Collage Scrap Exchange will be back!
Visit Sara Barnes' blog: Brown Paper Bag

Today I have been given the name of my exchange partner!!
So...
I just waved bye-bye to an email introducing myself to her - and asking "Where in the world are you?"


Over the last couple of weeks, since I heard that I would be part of this, I have been collecting collage material that is specific to Norwich - thought it would be interesting for my partner, as the theme is 'New Landscapes'.
I can't wait to add these to the other collage scraps I have for her - gold leaf bits, hand painted papers and printed material:




Equally - I'm on tender hooks to see what will drop on my door mat from my exchange partner
Once we receive each other's scraps, we are to create a new collage piece, incorporating some of the scraps we get in the post.
Then we email the images.. We might even get into an issue of Papirmass...fingers crossed
Nearly a THOUSAND people from around the world are taking part.
I am looking forward to being part of a big International Creative Collaboration
Oooh I hope my partner gets back to me soon! Can't wait to get making...