The very nice lady in charge of organising this exhibition has asked for some information to go with the work on display. She suggested a few questions to consider and after umming and ahhing I chose the most appealing.
Thought it might be an idea to share the completed musings so here they are....
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Drawing
has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. In fact my first
aesthetic experience involved a line. The infants’ teacher drew a letter ‘a’ in
my book and I remember walking home gazing at this letter and thinking that it
was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.
A
recent Summer School at the Slade and a botanical painting workshop in Cambridge
The
most enjoyable aspect of painting is the ‘Wow!’ moment when elements suddenly
come together and something wonderful appears. It doesn't happen every time but
when it does – Wow!!!
Having
retired from a career in teaching I am now able to paint whenever I want in my
studio at the bottom of my tiny garden. And although it might be tiny my garden
and greenhouse are very important in my life. As is Slawit Bob our little white
miniature schnauzer who affords us great pleasure.
Whilst
my children were growing up I was involved with patchwork and quilting
producing wall–hangings in colourful silks and cottons which satisfied my
creative needs at the time.
Having
goals and plans has never been part of my makeup –merely lurching from one
crisis to another or bumbling through life is much more my style although I do
hope to continue painting for as long as I am able.
Occasionally
the question arises ‘How do you know when a picture is finished?’ and I always
give the same answer which seems to work for everything really whether it’s
flower arranging or cake icing. If I need to wonder whether or not I should put something else in then the answer is always no – it’s finished.
Occasionally I ignore my own advice and will completely ruin a piece!!!
Lying
awake or idly gazing into space contemplating my perfect dinner party is always
an idea that appeals and there has been a shifting cast of characters attending
ranging from Alexander the Great to Simone de Beauvoir. Currently my invitation
list includes Robert Graves, Laurence Durrell, Richard the Third, Rudyard
Kipling, William Morris, Germaine Greer, Richard Burton, Marin Alsop and John Denver.
Finally
the piece of advice I offer the world is to love. When all is past and gone
that is what remains….
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www.rhs.org.uk/Gardens/Harlow-Carr
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