Nox

40cm x 30cm

charcoal on scored, creased and cut paper

I wasn't sure this drawing would be successful in mosaic form but I have to say I'm pleased with the outcome. I believe it has worked in a way that gives the piece an enigmatic quality...it gives the illusion that the subject has been carved into the surface of stone? There are potentially still three more strips for the right hand side of the drawing, if I decide to add them. I'll be starting a large piece on Thursday...!

Remains of a mosaic

30cm x 40cm

coloured charcoal on scored and cut paper

This piece is now finished. Whilst making it, the subject began to take on a different identity from my original plan for her (Nox, goddess of night). As I worked I came to relate the character to Dido from the story of 'Dido and Aeneas'. This tale can be found in Virgil's 'Aeneid'. Dido, Queen of Carthage, despairs over her love for the Trojan hero, Aeneas, after he abandons her. Not very cheery I know, but full of irresistible drama and passion! The drawing below is the one I have in mind to use for Nox. I'm not a hundred percent sure that this drawing will work as a mosaic piece as there's not alot of tonal contrast present, but at the same time it could be interesting because of that. So...there's only one way to find out...an that's to cut it up and see!! 

'Nox'

Prior to Christmas I was working on a commissioned portrait (double portrait I might add) which I agreed to take on at the last minute. As it was to be given as a Christmas present,  I am glad to tell you I managed to finish it just in time...phew!! I was happy with the result and hopefully the recipient was too :)
'Nox'  (Roman Goddess of Night) is my first work of the new year. I'm experimenting with smaller tesserae for this piece so it's taking more time to assemble. Therefore, progress is slower and therefore, it's demanding even more patience...very testing!! The drawing was made with coloured charcoal which I love. I discovered coloured charcoal two or three years ago and have been using it ever since. If you like earthy colours and you like working with charcoal, I would definitely recommend these.

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy, peaceful and bountiful 2014
And have a great weekend!

Juno

charcoal and pastel on scored and cut paper

30cm x 40cm

As promised in yesterday's post, here is the piece that I have most recently finished. I'm continuing to work with the idea of mosaic remains and the de-construction and re-construction of my drawings. It's an interesting process and I am getting quicker at making the pieces, so...I believe It's time to go larger!

My new studio!

  

I've ended up having a much longer break from blogging than I'd planned or expected. You may remember that I moved house? and sorting out the new house has been very time consuming. It had been empty for two years and was in a very poor state so we have been attending to its needs since we moved in! :)...although I have somehow, in between jobs, managed to make a new piece of work which I will post tomorrow!  Today I want to show you my new space. I love my new studio..it's on the second floor of what was once a small brewery. We live in the middle section where there is a three story tower. My studio is on the top floor of that...so I now have a proper ivory tower! (For those who don't know, I used to refer to my last studio as my ivory tower as it was in the attic room). I've seen some glorious sunsets already as I have an east window, a west window and a south window, so plenty of light although my pics don't show that off too well.  

It's great to be posting again!

My best wishes to all! 

Epona - Celtic/Roman Goddess

charcoal on scored and cut paper

30cm x 40cm

It's been over two weeks since my last post as I'm in the throws of moving house and am up to my eyes in packing boxes! But in between juggling time and boxes I've somehow managed to put together another piece for my show! My aim in these recent pieces is to create a series of images that embody the essence of the gods or goddesses but that depicts them in a form that reflects human mortality. This piece portrays Epona. Epona (also known as Rhiannon) was a Celtic goddess whom the Romans adopted as their own. She was the goddess of horses and of fertility.

This might have to be my last post for a while as moving day is next Monday from which time I will be offline and won't be back on until the 12th November :( Will get back to you then :) 

Untitled finished drawing

This is the most successful mosaic drawing that I've made so far. I've experimented with surface texture by using a combination of mosaic pieces and charcoal applied directly onto the paper surface. I'm satisfied and excited by the outcome and can't wait to get on with the next piece which is a good feeling after, if you recall, the disaster of the last one!!