Work in Progress

It's always exciting starting in a new direction. In March of this year I attended a workshop presented by Nick Bantock on creating (and using) your own archetypes. I immediately wanted to flesh out my personal archetypes and did so in writing first. Then I became interested in applying these archetypes to my artwork. The first few efforts were far too illustrative and literal and I found that process much too restrictive. I am now approaching the process in a manner that is more free and open-ended...almost coming at it backwards and working in.  I'm much happier with the results and although it has been a slow process, progress is being made. Along the way I have become intrigued by unusual substrates . Currently I'm collaging on a small sandwich board taken apart to make two separate surfaces, some tin trays and a deconstructed leather journal. 

Here are a few shots of some of the work in progress..

This above is a piece called the Alchemist's Archives. When complete, it will either remain as a book, or be hung so that individual pages show. Materials used:- various papers, leather, metal findings, copper foil and wood.

 The above piece, on a chalk board/sandwich board, is tentatively titled The Poet. The young woman's image is a funerary portrait from Egypt during the Roman Empire. These portraits are so engaging and lively I couldn't resist using both this one and that of the young man below. Materials used so far are acrylic paint and paper ephemera. The bottom un-collaged section will contain a hand-made turquoise and copper bracelet.

 The above piece titled The Warrior at Rest, is the companion piece to The Poet. Both the pieces will have more layers of paint and collage, and potentially other media by the time they are complete.

This isn't from the Archetypes series. I'm just experimenting with unusual substrates. I'm quite happy with this piece, a Renaissance image on a metal tray. Effective..and it also saves on needing an expensive frame!