'Sub Rosa'

'Sub Rosa'

Charcoal, acrylic and gesso on board

60cm x 60cm

Since ancient times, the rose has been widely used as a symbol of maternal creativity, love and beauty. However, it has also been used as a sign of silence and secrecy. I discovered that 'Sub Rosa' means 'under the rose' and is used to denote confidentiality and secrecy. In the middle ages when a rose was hung from the ceiling of the council chamber, all those present at the meeting were pledged to secrecy. I found being 'under the influence' of the rose an intriguing idea and decided to make some work about it. I hope you find this piece equally intriguing. 

Steps leading into a wood

charcoal on scored paper

130cm x 70cm

This is another drawing I came across when I was sorting out my studio space. It's a large piece that I made on a trip to Germany. The drawing is of a wooded area that was close by to the house where I stayed. Finding the drawing again brought back some fond memories of my stay in Neustadt an der Weinstrasse, Lincoln's twin town. I spent a week at an artists' symposium making work in a glorious studio environment with 11 others artists from all over Europe. I stayed with a lovely and very hospitable family who provided the opportunity to experience a little authentic German living. Ahhh...happy memories :)

Portrait of a Woman

charcoal on scored paper

50cmx50cm

It's been a while since my last post but in between then and now I've had six radio interviews, been to Spain and back and, not before time, reorganised and tidied my studio! During the big sort out I had a look through past drawings and came across this one. It hasn't been exhibited before and I think it may go in my next show. I made this piece using my usual process of scoring into the paper surface first without any preliminary drawing. I like the marks this way of working produces and the unpredictability of the resulting image. I have another piece to show you in the next couple of days that I've recently finished and the work on the easel right now is an abstract piece (also for the next show) which could be ready soon :)

Today at Caistor

'Hestia 2'

50cm x 65cm

charcoal and pastel on scored paper

I've spent another really nice Saturday at Caistor meeting more interesting people and managing to get started on 'Hestia 2'. I chose the image 'Hestia' to work from as it's a tried and tested one and I've wanted for a long time to make another version, so today was an ideal opportunity. I worked  on it further when I arrived back home and have got thus far. It's not completely resolved but not too far off. Below is the original version .

Next body of work

oil paint and charcoal on board

60cm x 60cm

This is the first piece of my next body of work. I began making it a while back whilst working on my mosaic drawings. It's for the exhibition in September titled 'Aspects of the Feminine', an intriguing subject and one I'm going to enjoy working with. I'm exploring the use of oil paint and charcoal together. They're my two all time favourite media so I'm finding the process very exciting! 

I'm at Caistor tomorrow making a drawing in the gallery (and probably doing alot of chatting!) And then Monday we're off to our house in Spain for a few days, spending time with family and carrying out the usual annual maintenance (that's the down side!)  Hopefully though, there won't be too much to do when we get there :)

I'll be at Caistor Saturday

'Fragment'

charcoal on scored and cut paper

30cm x 30cm

box-framed

I'm back in the gallery at the Arts and Heritage Centre, Plough Hill, Caistor on Saturday. I shall be there between 10.30am - 2.30pm to meet and greet visitors. I look forward to meeting all those that can get there :) 

'Meet the Artist' at Caistor

I've had a very eventful week all round including being interviewed on the radio! I was asked on to talk about my exhibition at Caistor and the 'Meet the Artist' day which was held yesterday. It was a very enjoyable day. I met lots of interesting people who were intrigued by my work and asked me lots of questions and I have to say I had some great feedback. In fact if you go to this link: www.rodcollins.com/wordpress/  you will be able to read a review of the show. 
My thanks to Sheila and her team at the Centre for their help and assistance in organising and hanging the exhibition. And my thanks to everyone who came along yesterday to 'Meet the Artist'. There's still plenty of time to get to the exhibition as it runs until 1st June. 
Caistor Arts and Heritage Centre
28 Plough Hill
Caistor
LN7 6LZ
Tel: 01472 851605
The gallery is occasionally used for meetings so if you are coming from a long way it's best to telephone first on the above number.