Reminiscing about my time at University while thinking about new horizons. These two different landscapes were both captured while studying for my degree at the University of St Andrews.
Quarry, East Neuk of Fife
Cairngorms National Park
Using black charcoal to study plant forms allows me to express the shapes I enjoy.
I wandered lonely as a wasp, who cannot find her feet
For every time she tries to land upon a tasty treat,
Waving hands and tempers flared, thwart her simple plan;
She only wants to settle down and feast upon some jam.
On the theme of people sharing their homes and giving the gift of peace…
Jerei’s House, Summer 2014
Jean and Bob’s House, Summer 2013
Kettle’s Yard Summer 2014
The attention to detail in the colours, forms and light in the space produces a perfect serenity.
I really wish people could stop
Popping their own clogs
Or trying to pop their own clogs
By jumping from things or under things or into the sea
Or by other means
Things must feel terribly bad
Far and away beyond sad
With really no fun left to have
To End yourself quietly but violently; then finally
Be silent.
Third suicide in a year
I should put in a line about tears
For the sake of a rhyme?
No, the tears are not mine
They are shed by those closest, most dear
“I don’t know what else I can say,
I could hang on the ‘phone anyway
And just listen to your static.”
I’m ecstatic
Engines groan, urging and streets sigh
Fight and win or lose and die
White frames and harsh lights for the new under glass
Dirty mouths and dark shadows for the old in the underpass
Bodies sat in chairs, chattels hanging, wired in
No-one knows the future but they keep on spinning
Vigilant faces scan the melee
Empty hearts that make their way
Check in on themselves once in a blue moon
How do you feel? Who are you?
I discovered this applique technique just before finishing the course and I wish I had had more time to explore it further. I also developed a new style of lip with this pot by thinning and cracking the dry clay. I had previously discovered that glaze Antique Pewter produces a green verdigris colour when mixed with ordinary white glaze, so I applied it over white glaze to produce the green colours on this pot.
Today my heart feels full, like a comb full of honey
Swollen like a harvest moon it presses on my chest
Making my breaths short and my temperament cross
Anxiety looms
Hope that is slightly less bad now?
Florence Meade 