Friday 4 March 2016

International Opportunities

'Landscape-Memories,' gouache on paper, 11 x 8.3 ins

This year has begun off quite well. When I was in Cyprus recently I found out that one of my paintings has been selected for an exhibition in Singapore, and on the same day I received an email inviting me for a painting residency at THE SCHOOLHOUSE in Mutianyu, China! 

'The Joy of Life,' acrylic on panel, 20 x 30 cm
The painting above is the one that has been selected for the exhibition THE JOY OF LIFE, in Singapore. It will be accompanied by a catalogue. I am really pleased that this painting was selected because it is one I felt good about.

'Mountain-Poem,' gouache on paper, 11 x 8.3 ins
I had sent a message expressing interest in a fellowship at The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu some months ago but I had not expected to be invited! I am thrilled about this residency because the place I will be staying is next to the Great Wall of China and it will allow me to continue a body of work I began last September after my participation in the 6th Beijing International Art Biennale. I was invited to the Opening of the exhibition, along with 200 artists from around the world, and all invited artists were taken to see the Wall. It inspired a series of ink paintings on rice paper, using materials I bought in Beijing, and it is this series I would like to continue and develop further on canvas and possibly different types of paper or even wood. While I am not sure exactly how the work will evolve, the residency will give me a month of studio time and quiet to really focus on my ideas. It is something I have longed for! 
'Inscape,' gouache on paper, 11 x 8.3 ins

Today I found out that I have been accepted for membership on the Axis artists' national database, which I am very pleased about because it will allow me to share my work and connect with other artists in the UK, and also will open up further opportunities.