You can't help but be uplifted when you walk into HMS. Bernard's paintings provide the tonic you need when emerging from a dark period. With the Spring weather and colours that dance before your eyes, yesterday heralded a new, optimistic period for me.
The pv was a friendly and relaxed affair with many of the Airspace artists making the trip from Stoke.
And Bernard has installed the show perfectly. As an established artist, his experienced eye guides the viewer round the space …using the canvases and framed pieces like elements in a painting.
He extended the HMS boards to hang a 3m+ work that stands at the bottom of the walkway. I hadn't thought of doing that – but it works. It is a very physical painting. The layers of colours, marks, textures and forms ("Instability of Grids") just ooze the joy of paint. Pixilating work like this for the web reduces the experience to well – pixels!
I would like the house to hang this painting, but maybe I will consider the little framed works punctuating the space like jewels.
Bernard tells me he splashed out on expensive oil paints (which have a higher density of pigment) for the small paintings. It is easy to be precious with expensive gear, but Bernard's small pieces have the freshness and vibrancy which show no evidence of caution.
Bernard wanted to leave a couple of bottles of left over wine for the artists at HMS, but I said no – he was already leaving a feast. (He left a bottle anyway). Thank you Bernard!
To see the show by appointment –
Tel 07891 262 202
I'm back in the swim. Since last Wednesday I've been to 3 evening meetings (only one was local). I quite like event focused ones, but I'm not a fan of those boring admin meetings where the only achievement is to programme another meeting to discuss redrafted documents – again.
Last night was the first meeting at Derby University to discuss the role of the new committee. Rolls Royce, Quad, The National Trust and various public bodies were represented. And me. I wish I wasn't shy.
The new building at Markeaton Street is v impressive and it is apparent some serious money has been spent. The university has just bought the Playhouse too – it is clearly becoming a dominant presence in the city. I feel slightly small.
There is lots of catching up and I need to get on track. We currently have a photography exhibition by Jess Calke, an HMS artist. She knows the ropes in relation to showing in the exhibition space, which is good as I was unable to get to the preview. I wasn't much help. However, I understand it was well attended and v enjoyable. Jess has really developed her practice since joining HMS and has benefited enormously from being part of an artists' community.
Our next exhibition is by an 'outsider', Bernard Charnley who was selected from open submission in October. As well as making stunning abstract paintings, he is also mates with Anna Francis who was resident in Standing Room last summer. Both have studios at Airspace in Stoke and I am really looking forward to seeing them and the Stoke contingent at the PV on March 29th 2-4pm.
HMS is also hosting a CAFE meeting on Thursday evening. This is made up of arts groups and organisations in the borough of Erewash and led by the arts development officers.
I managed a few hours in my studio today. It was good.
