Newsletter: December 2022
I’m writing this in the studio, wrapped up in a blanket and listening to a gale blowing outside…December has been cold and sometimes wet, and I’m still trying to get rid of a nasty flu bug/ chest infection….pretty much everybody I know in the UK has had it!
Anyway what with the lurgy, having building work done and not to mention Christmas, it’s been a month with very little studio time.
In fact it’s been a really busy year; moving house and studio, our lovely son getting married, and renovating…it’s been pretty full on!
I hope you all had good holidays, however you spent them, and I’m wishing you all a happy, safe and creative 2023!
This year has been a strange one, so much happening in the World to be angry, sad and very worried about, and we’re all trying to come out of the Pandemic within a financial crisis. It has been so hard for most people, and probably won’t get easier for a while… galleries have been struggling and 2022/23 has seen many go fully online. Interestingly, the very top end auction houses like Sotheby’s, and Christies, have in fact had a bumper year, which reflects a desire amongst the very wealthy to own and buy art, not least as an investment in uncertain times.
In some ways it’s surprising that art sales have continued at all, but then perhaps it reflects the importance of the arts, and how much we as humans need them? So with that in mind I want to say a huge and very heartfelt thank you to everyone; galleries and gallerists, collectors who have added to their collections, new clients who have started a journey of owning original art, and also all those of you who follow me, and take the time to respond to my blogs and to ask questions and send wonderful messages of support for my work!
This feedback came from a new client who is based in France. I can’t tell you how much it means, and what a difference it makes!
I’m absolutely respecting their privacy, but they know who they are!
Because we’ve been busy working on the house and studio, we haven’t been able to travel much this year-normally I would be frustrated about this as I love to get away into the mountains and by the coast, but this year it’s given us time to explore the area around us; regular walks, and local scenery. I’ve come to know them really well, and with that comes the ability to notice small changes in colours, textures, weather and atmosphere. Exploring Nidderdale where I’m now based, has been a real focus, and I think it will continue to be, although I’m also hoping to get out and about more in 2023. The compilation images above show a taste of almost a year now in this very beautiful and ever changing part of the UK.
My work has taken a couple of directions; the main one has been exploring atmospheric abstraction; painting with an emphasis on a feeling of being there, of changing light, weather and moods. The image above shows some of these recent paintings, which are all now available and will be on my website.
I’m also very interested in a different kind of abstraction; focussing on finding an abstract language to express landscape forms and structures…the images below are some of these, and they are currently available from:
Just as familiar landscapes provide a special kind of inspiration for me, I realise that there are artists and works that become deeply significant; artists you can turn to when you’re stuck or need to rethink and refresh. I think I might do a post about my painting ‘friends’ next year, but this is an idea embraced by the wonderful artist David Mankin. I’ve recently been reading this beautiful book, written by Kate Reeve-Edwards, which explores his influences, inspiration and process- if you’re at all interested in contemporary painting, this is really worth reading.
Oh and a quick tip if you’re in London, I don’t think it’s widely known that Sotheby’s in new Bond Street, has a wonderful and ever changing programme of exhibitions…most are connected to upcoming sales, but they are all free to access, and really worth a look! I caught a recent exhibition about the Queen’s Jubilee Green Canopy, which was a combination of photography and drawing by Mary Anne Aytoun Ellis, Adrian Houston, and Charles Sainsbury-Plaice….the exhibition depicted ancient trees and woodlands. Sotheby’s also has a lovely spot to have a coffee or a bit of lunch, and it is brilliant for people watching!
Well I think that’s all from me for now and for 2022!
I’m going to take some time to think about new directions, and start some serious planning for next year.
*Last month, I mentioned that I’m running a course at Lund Studios at the end of March…it sold out overnight which was wonderful, so I was wondering if you would do me a huge favour and let me know if you would be interested in either online or in person workshops with me. No commitment, it would just be useful to know the kind of thing you might be interested in!
As always, thank you so much for all the lovely feedback from the November Newsletter, and do drop me a message if there is anything particular you would like me to cover in the future.
Until next month, take care and keep in touch,
Happy New Year!!!
Jo xx
All text and images copyright ©️Jo York 2022