Newsletter: April 2021
Walking up in the Dales!!!!
Here in the North of the Uk, we seem to have been half into Spring and half back into Winter, with snow and hail, and really heavy frosts. Restrictions have eased a little and we can start to get around a little further afield, which has been so brilliant for someone who relies on getting outside and walking as the main stimulus for work. I know I’ve said it before, but having nice walks close by has been the saviour over lockdowns, but I’ve missed the hills! I’ve spent a lot of time this month just starting to get out and about again, with trips up to Grimwith Reservoir (shown above) and to Scar House and Angram…the names sound so bleak, but they are very beautiful and full of wildlife; especially birds. At Scar House last week the only sound was Curlews calling in the wind. I’m also really hoping to be able to get further afield, to the Lake District and Scotland, and the Cornish Coast, later in the year…’trouble is I’m going to have to be patient, as I think they will all be heaving for a while, and I like them really quiet and deserted!
Typical Dales scenery: scrubby fells, dry stone walls, becks( not a famous footballer, but small streams) and sheep
A key part of this plan is that we have managed to find a second hand camper van, which will become a mobile base for drawing and research trips, so will be getting it set up over the coming months, and trying it out locally as well…it’s all very exciting so watch this space for more!!
The other very exciting thing that happened to me this month, is that the artist and podcaster, Margret Petrie got in touch to ask if she could interview me for her wonderful Authentic Obsessions Podcast. She has been a regular studio companion for a while now, much listened to whilst doing studio jobs, and I absolutely love the way she builds her conversations, and that each podcast allows the time and space to find out so much about an artist and the way they work. I said yes!! And then had a massive panic, but I did enjoy the process!
If you would like to know a bit more about me and my work, do give it a listen on the link below:
(Apologies for the weird white gap ^ by the way, It’s a glitch in Squarespace and won’t let me reduce the gap or add a background!)
It’s also well worth having a look at the Authentic Obsessions webpage, where you will find all the episodes, ready to delve into…it features all kinds of artists and makers, and some writers too. It’s a genuinely fascinating Podcast series and available from this link: https://www.authenticobsessions.com
I’ve been revisiting my sketchbooks from the South West Coast Path, especially the bit between Zennor and St Ives; which is one of my top spots to get to when things have calmed down again. The two pieces above are taken from one of these sketchbooks, and I’m thinking might develop into some small expressive landscapes…I love the drama of the Atlantic Coast, the way the weather can change 5 times in a day, and the expansive views down over rocks and sea.
Last time I showed some very early stages in another new Cornish piece, Rhythm of Rocks and Water, which is in a different style. You can see some progress shots and close ups below…changing approaches and working in different ways, is very important to me, as it really is a great way to keep things fresh!
The first detail shows scratched or s’graffito marks through one paint layer to another. The second photo shows the building up of the colour blocks, referring to a colour swatch chart of Cornish coastal colours I’d made in situ. The final shot shows my Dad’s much loved drawing table which tilts, and is therefore wonderful for working at slight angles and different heights, when I’m not looking for the upright position of an easel or wall. You can also see my stay wet palette; simply a sheet of acrylic layered with dampened paper towels, covered with some greaseproof paper or tracing paper. I hold mine in place with a bit of cheap masking tape, not the good stuff for masking edges.
I’m pretty sure it’s finished, and the whole piece is shown below…in this piece the layers are not just a mix of opaque and translucent, but are also quite textured. If you look closely, there are a lot of very fine drawn marks which suggest movement, details and edges. At the moment the painting has a matt surface, which shows off the texture, but I may adjust this a little when I apply sealing coats and varnish.
Rhythm of Rocks and Water….full of textured layers, and evoking the rocky North Atlantic Coast of Cornwall, with dramatic sky and breaking foam.
61cm Canvas
Multi-layered acrylics with sgraffito
I’ve also been having a drive to finish some works that have taken a while to resolve…last month I featured: On the Nature of Water, which was just such a piece, being built up in layers of oils and taking forever to dry!
This month, I’ve finished another painting in layered oils, this time in multiple glazes which I had just taken my time with; letting it develop slowly and gently…it depicts a very familiar field, but one I hadn’t seen for a while, so the idea is that it’s a trace; an imperfect remembering, intangible, fleeting and atmospheric. It’s very personal, so I hope you like it!
Memory of a Field
Oils on a 61cm Square canvas
As promised, a whole batch of new work for 2021 is now available from Bils and Rye Gallery Harrogate, in person and online: https://contemporarysculpture.gallery/artist/jo-york
Some of my new work available from Bils and Rye with apologies to Nick, that the photo was taken before final set up, hence the packaging etc…!
L.H Side: Autumn Flow R.H Side: The Guardians
Edge of Autumn. From the Willow Copse
That’s all from me for this month, and I’m hoping for some more drawing research trips before next time.
Meanwhile take good care and keep in touch,
Jo x
*All text and images copyright Jo York 2021