a safer distance …

I’ve been developing my sketch ‘a safer distance’ further (see previous post ‘passing time’). This artwork is acrylic ink and tissue on watercolour paper, approx 40 x 45 cms. 

The original inspiration was the crumbling interior of a 19th century dynamite store at Cape Cornwall, a place I’ve visited a few times this year (see my post on the art residency I took at Brisons Veor). The small austere structure, perched on the rocks above Priests Cove, was originally part of Cape Cornwall Mine. The bolts and bars in the fabric of the interior walls were bleeding rust in a very interesting way. I seem to be very attracted to industrial archaeology lately.

I like that I can see other imagery in this. It feels there may be potential for a series here.

A safer distance. Acrylic ink/tissue on paper. Mari French 2014.

A safer distance. Acrylic ink/tissue on paper. Mari French 2014.

 

Old dynamite store, Cape Cornwall. Mari French 2014

Old dynamite store, Cape Cornwall. Mari French 2014


shadow & light …

 

shadow and light,

a fan of steps,

a stone vertebrae,

spiralling towards the sky

or plunging to earth.

spill of indigo, ochre, charcoal,

a symphony of grace.

steps worn smooth by the tread of centuries;

emerging into the sunshine of another day

or the dark chamber of another night.

Copyright Mari French


 

Copyright Mari French


 

Copyright Mari French


 

Copyright Mari French


 

Copyright Mari French


 

 (Impressions of the 12th century keep of Castle Rising, Norfolk.

Photos and text, copyright Mari French)

 

progress report…

Readers of my last post will, I’m sure, be waiting with baited breath (haha) for the latest on the preparations for my new studio, so here is an update with photos, taken recently…

fitting out my art studio

Work surfaces and cupboards taking shape in the former hayloft… this is Paul, my handy hubby, doing his stuff (there isn’t much he can’t do really – he’s also a very talented artist photographer). By the way, I did the icky job of vacuuming up all the hundreds of ancient spiders webs before this stage!

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below – a view of the precarious stairs – at least they’ve now got a proper handrail!

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a view of the village from one of the studio windows.

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this door (below) opens into fresh air, it was probably used for loading hay into the room, which is directly above old stables (unused now). Will be nice on those hot summer days I’m anticipating this year!

and finally, a pair of antique chairs in the old stable below caught my eye…

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… and an old window also in the former stable below.

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