Portrait of Ceri Hand by Lorna Milburn
As part of my digital offering for my solo exhibition at Oriel Davies Gallery, I am chatting with people that I find inspiring. This week, I had the opportunity to sit down with fellow painter Carol Robertson, and we had a thought-provoking conversation about our respective practices and ideas. Despite our different styles, we discovered definite similarities in approaching our work.
We both love oil paint and the smell of linseed oil that comes with it.
We also discussed the painting process and its continuous dialogue between the artist and the canvas.
I fell in love with her work after visiting Flowers East last September - Madrigal Echo is one of my favourite paintings - it must be the stacked circles that drew me in.
Of course, our conversation wasn’t limited to the technical aspects of painting. We also spoke about the unfathomable inspiration found in the night sky and how it’s something that both of us find endlessly inspiring. It’s always fascinating to hear how other artists approach their work, and I came away from our conversation feeling energised and inspired.
Speaking of inspiration, I’m thrilled to announce that Ceri Hand will join me and the curator Steffan Jones-Hughes at the Private View of my Solo Exhibition at Oriel Davies on the 28th of July at 2pm. Ceri is an arts champion and mentor, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to discuss my exhibition with her.
The opening starts at 12 and closes at 4, so be sure to come and listen to what we have to say about the exhibition. If you are travelling from afar, let me know and I’ll make sure that there will be a bit to eat and a glass of something lovely to drink when you arrive.
I’m incredibly excited about my Solo Exhibition at Oriel Davies, and I can’t wait for visitors to see my latest works. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just curious about the creative process, I hope you’ll find something to inspire and delight you at the exhibition.
Please let me know if you would like an invitation.
As an artist, I am continually inspired by the captivating poem of Emily Dickinson - "There's a Certain Slant of Light." This poem served as the catalyst for a series of white paintings I created, entitled "A Certain Slant of Winter Light," after my residency in Iceland. The way the snow and dust caught the early morning winter light reminded me of the poem's fleeting nature, beautifully captured in its words.
There’s a certain Slant of light,
Winter Afternoons –
That oppresses,
like the Heft
The poem's exploration of human emotions and its striking imagery deeply resonates with me, especially its emphasis on the cold and wintry landscape. Despite its melancholic undertones, I find solace and comfort in the emotions it conveys.
Another poem of hers, that speaks to me is "Hope is a Thing With Feathers," which shares a similar title to Max Porter's book "Grief is a Thing with Feathers," which I am currently enjoying in my studio.
Coincidentally, Emily Dickinson and I share the same birthday, albeit 137 years apart. I am not sure why I am often drawn to melancholic writing, but I believe it allows me to reflect, remember, and connect with the human experience.
This week has been driven by deadlines.
Deadlines for the gallery, photography, printers, the artist statement, the updated website and all manner of other things that just needed to get done.
As an artist, I’ve always found defining what drives my creative endeavour difficult. After much wrestling, I’ve finally arrived at a statement reflecting my creative process and the ideas that inform my work. This is now available to read on my website for those interested in delving deeper into my artistic practice.