Degree Show

I like to limit myself in my work. I either restrict colour or materials. This is because aside from the visual elements of my paintings, would describe myself as a process painter. The experimentations and the results really interested me when I was in my degree year. I was looking at the work of Ian Davenport and other contemporary process painters at the time. I restricted myself to creating images with a very specific bright colour palette, gloss paint and very smooth, well primed MDF. Some people actually thought I was painting on ceramic unglazed tiles. I created series's of boards and reproduced the exact same pouring techniques. Because of the slight in-accuracies resulting from me doing this precisely but freehand, slight variations appeared within the series of works. I experimented with scale, creating as large as I could physically handle (2 x 3 meters) to very small pieces which were only a couple of inches wide.
I made completely abstract images with no meanings pre determined by me, because I only concerned myself with the physical processes and productions; however the I found that viewer in general created and  placed a narrative or attached symbolism to my work. I found this interpretation very interesting. It was suggested to me that I was recreating flags or producing new ones, and some people commented on the reflective quality in the larger work, as they were covered in smooth layers of gloss paint. This resulted in some people "seeing themselves" in the paintings, essentially creating changing self portraits.I found this aspect the most exciting and unexpected part of the exhibition.


This was my largest and physically most demanding piece in terms of the actual weight and difficulty in handling the piece and in trying to pour the paint precisely.

The accidental differences was visible in this series. I placed it moving along the wall, into and out of the corner to reinforce the conveyor belt feel.

 Experimenting with colour and scale.

This piece was about experimentation with, colour variations, different paints and the techniques achievable.

I decided to incorporate this minimalist trolley which I spray painted white to hold smaller and experimental works. I think this added the factory/conveyor belt feel. I think it both exaggerated and took away from the exhibition work on the wall. I still can't decide whether it makes the the traditionally displayed work more or less important.

These are examples of the most recent work of Ian Davenport's. His use of  materials, colour palette and techniques, in particular the strong emphasis on process really interests me. I find these paintings to be beautiful almost by accident. The works are created with little concern for aesthetic whilst in process but ironically I find all his work to be harmonious and balanced.