I’ve spent a good part of the day doing one of my favourite artistic tasks. I’ve been gilding. For some time I hesitated as to whether I ought to include some small areas of gold leaf in my new “Green Man” series. I did something similar with my Set Apart project and I think it turned out very well.* For some reason, however, I was not immediately convinced that it would be an asset on this occasion.
This afternoon, however, I decided that I would commit myself, and got out the box of materials. Each of the six designs will include a discreet circle of gold leaf around the edge of the image. Having completed two of the set I am now convinced that I made the right decision. Somehow it seems to emphasise the fact that they are not simply interesting designs, but that they have a general, symbolic intention.
Unfortunately I have to take part in one of the increasingly normal Zoom meetings in a few minutes’ time, so the completion of the task will have to wait until tomorrow. Actually, gilding is quite a time-consuming process. Not only does it require a good deal of attention to precision, it is also necessary to allow the gilding paste to dry for 10-15 minutes after application, before adding the gold leaf. As I can only do a section of each design on any one occasion it can be a very slow process. The complexity of the task is added to by the fact that I have acquired, over the years, supplies of two types of gold leaf, each of which requires a different handling. Only part way into the job, already the place is covered with tiny flecks of gold.
*The the appropriate gallery elsewhere in this website.