Melmore head, Donegal. 30/07/16
Back in Donegal for the weekend by myself, as I’ve mentioned before Melmore head is whereby family holidayed when I was a kid and is a place that shaped my imagination and connection with the landscape. It is so wild, full of vivid colour, rich textures and a real sense of being alive. I took a ton of photos trying to take it all in again, here are a few observations and a collection of small found things. A short, but refreshing trip, I hope to be back again soon.
Overcast observations, July, Belfast Lough
After not a great week feeling under the weather a short walk along the shore was definitely the right thing to do. Despite the overcast sky it was warm, even with the sea breeze and lounging on the smooth stones I was surrounded by textures, tones and shapes.
A Shoreline walk by Belfast Lough, last day of June.
Yesterday’s finds an observations on a grey, calm day cloaked in drizzle.
A Language of Landscape opens at Roe Valley Arts Centre
Saturday saw the opening of a Language of Landscape at Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre in Limavady, Northern Ireland alongside the exhibition by Katy English ” Drawing as Exploring”. Thanks to all who attended, especially Elaine Gaston for her poetry reading which tied in beautifully with both exhibitions. This exhibition follows on from my last solo exhibition and gave me the opportunity to extend both the manner in which I show as well as the work itself. It features a number of sets of wall mounted works further exploring materials, form and making- both through my utensil and tool forms in addition to my material drawings. If you are up the at the North Coast it’s worth a visit as it represents my best work so far (in my opinion!). The exhibition continues until the 30th of July.
Exhibition -A Language of Landscape
Next saturday the 18th of June my solo exhibition -A Language Of Landscape opens at Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre in Limavady from 2pm. I’ll be showing a series of objects, finds, photographs and drawings. Hope you can make it.
Brush- finished.
“Brush” completed. I’m now working on its partner piece but I have had it suggested about considering the marks it might make. Which has got me thinking about further brushes, possibly another form to explore further. I’m always interested in domestic forms to explore as they represent the personal, the intimate -a simple place to set a story.
Work in progress
Working towards a new set of pieces for an upcoming exhibition. I roughed out an idea for a new piece using the found paint brush handle and some rusted steel. I love the way the lines of hammered wire almost make it look alive, like the railing arms of a jelly fish.
New A4 prints up on the shop
Two of my recent drawings, Long Ladle and the Bulb Drawing are available as prints on heavy weight 300 gsm matt white paper A4, 21 cm x 29.7 cm. Available on the shop these drawings come from my recent series of drawings made in response to found objects- in these cases a thorn handle for the ladle drawing and a found light bulb for the bulb drawing.
Objects and marks
I’m currently working on a new series of objects generated in response to some of my recent finds. I’m using the same approach which generated the ideas of the set of work developed for the Contemporary British Silversmith’s exhibition at the V&A, Silver Speaks. I select an object and then lay down marks to compliment it, extending it into a form which suggest utility. Afterwards I replace the object with similar drawn marks, allowing me to continue to explore the object again until I find a composition I’m happy with.
It’s a very free way of working and challenges my fabrication skills to make elements which reflect the marks made. Below are a few experiments.
New vessel drawing
Continuing the vessel form drawings I made a larger one today- at 9″x12″. The others have been quite small but I feel like moving up the scale of the drawings and see how that influences the shapes and marks. I love the different tones in this one as well as the watermarks throughout it. Up on the shop Here if you are interested.
Stuart Cairns 