(Above: The Afghan Border from Mitchni Post in the Khyber Pass)
Yesterday I made a 300 mile round trip to Birmingham to submit my documents for a visa to Pakistan. I’ve been offered a residency to work with a group of international artists to produce a group show, culminating in an exhibition in Islamabad. I visited Pakistan about 7 years ago and I absolutely loved the place! It’s beautiful, cultured and the people are so warm and friendly. It was one of those life-changing experiences and I’ve been keen to return. Oh and the food is fantastic.
I did some drawings in my sketchbook while I was there and made a series of landscapes in full-colour monotype when I came back. They’re all based on tiny sketches except for the one of the Afghan children, which is based on a photograph taken in the Khyber Pass. The other three landscapes are based on drawings done at various places on a road trip up through the Karakoram mountain range to the Hunza Valley.
It’s been a difficult process applying for the visa, the amount of documentation has been enormous, I’ve made the trip to Birmingham twice (600 miles in all) and it’s expensive. Still, it’s reassuring that the checks are so thorough given the extent of terrorism across the world. The paperwork is now with the consulate where the final decision will be made. Fingers crossed. I just can’t wait. I’m so excited!
scribblah 
That’s going to be a great adventure, look forward to seeing the art
Thanks. I’m so looking forward to it – if the visa ever materialises!
What a wonderful opportunity – it has to be an enriching experience. And I love your monos!
Thank you Anna 🙂
Reblogged this on JHladikVoss57's Blog and commented:
Another exciting art adventure from Rosie!
Thanks for reblogging, Judith
Wow. Exotic indeed! How inspirational is that! No wonder you were so excited.Can only imagine the art that will come from this experience. What a fabulous opportunity. Hope it all goes well with the final stages of the visa application! 😀
Fingers crossed. I was so inspired by the place before, I can’t wait to get back 😀
really excited for you – hope it all comes together soon 🙂
Thank you. It’s a lot of planning and bureaucracy but it’ll be worth it.
What an amazing opportunity, I’m so jealous!
haha lol, one day it will be your turn 😀
This is great. How great to travel to do art.
Thanks. I’m really excited 🙂
Rosie
If you ever run courses, it would be good to know, please. If I could get the time off, I would travel to Wales for a few days. I do admire your approach to drawing.
Neil
Thanks Neil. Sometimes we run courses at Swansea Print Workshop and they’ll be put up on the Facebook group, but no plans for the moment as everyone’s so busy with exhibitions and residencies. Will let you know 🙂