This is the 50th consecutive week I have made and given away art. Coincidentally it is also the week in which Chloe Ray releases her new EP, titled Reprise, and Chloe and I have been talking about how we can jointly celebrate. The last track on the EP is titled ‘Not Giving Up’ and we decided I would make a painting with the same title. The title of the work resonates for me because the free art project is partly about not giving up.
This week, I asked the community for ideas to inspire the art, and I received many replies. Among the suggestions were light at the end of the tunnel, sunrises, and much more. Initially I thought about stylising the local landscape in some way to incorporate some of these ideas. However, I’ve also been experiencing a lot of stress in parts of my work lately – and I needed a release. I realised the initial landscaping idea wasn’t going to cut it in my current mood – so I upscaled. I took a large canvas outside and really threw myself at the work. What has emerged is a much more abstract image, one for me which captures the spirit of the ideas people shared, captures the song title, and expresses some of how I’m currently feeling.
This art work will be on display this evening for Chloe’s launch event at The Brook, before it is hidden for you to find somewhere in the neighbourhood this weekend, along with a signed copy of Chloe’s new EP.
Thank you to everyone who supports the free art project, it is nothing without you. Thank you Chloe for inviting me to collaborate with you on this special occasion.
