This afternoon I had the privilege of visiting the studio of a well-known Yorkshire artist. It was an immensely re-enforcing experience. To begin with, it was good to be recognised as a colleague, even ‘though (as in Leonard Cohen’s song) he is “ninety floors above me” in the tower of art. Then, he had encouraging things to say about my current work block. All artists experience this sooner tor later …. but it passes!
I was surprised by the modesty of his studio space, and by his account of the difficulty of obtaining this. It made me feel immensely lucky to have the room I have at home. In short, I really have nothing to complain about, and I ought to just get on with it. (My words, not his!)
Looking at his work, I was struck (as I have been before) by his engagement with his medium, and his evident enjoyment in working with it. Perhaps I have not been sufficiently aware of this in relation to my own art.
So: I came away with plenty to think about, and greatly encouraged.
Tomorrow we will be leaving for a few days in Canterbury, where I will be taking part in a course on ikon-painting. I had a similar experience several years ago, and I think that it will be very interesting to take further both the engagement with the medium of tempera, and acquaintance with the subject-matter. It does look as if it will be difficult to sustain this blog while I am there, although I do hope and expect that I might have plenty to share about it when I return.