Mx.D.P

Summer is the perfect time for artists to explore their creativity and immerse themselves in new experiences. This is my new blog, but you can find my old blog at https://deematthewsart.blogspot.com/This summer, I have been fortunate enough to engage and expanded my skills but also connect with other artists and explore different mediums while still using up my existing art supplies and following the ideals explored in the film and poetry of STUFF

One of the most recent experiences was this weeks watercolour sunset workshop at 2 London Place Gallery. Led by the talented and sparkling Andrew Logan. I have had many happy workshops at Andrew’s Museum and Studio years ago when I ran a home education art group. This workshop, however, was a different beast in the form of a supper club. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the fun aspects of painting and I had the pleasure of meeting local artists and making new friends. The vibrant hues of a Borth sunset and the giddy atmosphere of the gallery provided the perfect setting for an evening of artistic exploration and cava drinking.

In addition to attending a workshop, I also had the opportunity to run my own workshop on Artist Sketchbooks last month. Taking advantage of the beautiful beach in Borth where I live, I gathered a group of fellow artists and guided them through the process of creating their own sketchbooks. It was a wonderful experience to see the participants’ creativity come to life as they filled their sketchbooks with sketches, inspiration, and ideas and I realised how much I loved passing on techniques, information and influences, and how much that experience enriched my own art practice. I have another two workshops scheduled, one on watercolour techniques at the end of this month and a drawing workshop in October.

One of my personal artistic achievements this summer was completing a double portrait using my own handmade oil paint. I love the materiality of painting. I love making paint. This piece and working with a proud Welsh couple in my Welsh beach workshop, I had to incorporate Welsh slate into the oil paint, it was unique and tangible in its textured layering of pigment and place. Three in-person sittings over summer allowed me to explore both materials and the interconnectivity of artist and sitter resulting in a rich and dynamic piece. The process of capturing the essence of two individuals becoming one on canvas was extraordinarily rewarding.

During summer, I had the opportunity to produce portraiture of a different nature by interviewing both BA and MA graduating students, delving into their artistic journeys and gaining valuable insights into their artistic practices. Using a process of digital collage in sound and image the interview became a way to both promote their exhibitions and further my exploration of editing including producing my own music.

In search of inspiration and new perspectives, I embarked on a trip to Norway with my trusty sketchbook in hand. Exploring the breathtaking landscapes and intriguing people. I documented my experiences through rather traditional watercolour sketches, but my writing revealed a more contemporary position and I was reminded of my left brain/right brain struggle for creative control which is becoming a focus for my workshop work.

One unexpected adventure this summer was my further interaction with AI (Artificial Intelligence). Curiosity led me to explore the intersection of art and technology, and I found myself intrigued by the possibilities AI offers to artists. Through experimentation and exploration, I discovered new ways to incorporate AI into my artistic practice by transforming sketchbook and digital work into new images for my Dada digital collages, AI has become a new brush for me. Here I take inspiration from Christian Stamas’s geometric painting.

As summer draws to a close, I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to engage in various art practices. From attending workshops and running my own, to exploring new mediums and embracing technology, this summer has been a time of growth and exploration. I look forward to continuing my artistic journey and seeing where it takes me next as I start my Fine Art : Digital MA at Central St. Martins UAL.