Over the week-end I have been showing my new series of images entitled Creating the Creation. (It consists of seven images offering a new view of the creation myths in relation to the experience of artistic creativity.) I always find it interesting to show material for the first time, and not only because it gives me a chance to observe the responses of the public. Equally important is my own response.
An important aspect of this is the opportunity to see pieces of work at a distance. It is never quite the same experience if one is confined to a close-up view in the studio. Somehow it is only when a piece is glimpsed across a reasonable space that it is possible to assess its impact. I was reflecting on this in relation to my other recent exhibiting experience, at the Great Sheffield Art Show, in which they layout of the exhibition makes it extremely difficult to see anything at a distance.
I think that I will factor-in this in future as a consideration influencing my decision as to whether or not I will take p[art in shows in the future. The advanced stage of the prestige of a venue might turn out to be totally negated by the poor quality of the viewing experience.