The process of developing a new artwork sometimes takes some surprising twists and turns. When I started working on my new commission for Sky Arts Art50, I thought I’d be doing visual motifs, but after humming and haahing for a while, and reading loads of research, I found myself writing on walls, all over the walls in the elysium studio I had throughout September. A few visuals popped up, but mostly the words kept flowing. I thought I’d develop imagery from the words, but it just wasn’t happening.
So then I started putting the words together. It took a while trying out different combinations but then I came up with a grouping which sounded pretty good when read aloud. But no visuals. Then I thought, “Why do I have to have visual motifs?”, and I did a bit more research, looking at artists like Bob and Roberta Smith, the printmaker Paul Peter Piech and Ghada Amer whose work incorporates text. So I started experimenting with these words.
And I think I’m starting to get somewhere. But I wasn’t happy about the words just being … well … written. I know that sounds weird but I’m a visual artist and I see patterns in things, it’s what I do.
But you’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see what’s occurring because I want to spend a bit more time working on my ideas ………
scribblah 
so interesting Rosie. I’m working backwards to catch up!
Thanks Helen. It seems like it’s been going on forever 😀
I love this. I too love incorporating words into my work. What I love about this is that we can follow your stream of consciousness… Awesome work! ❤
Thanks so much, Deb ☺
I am not much of an artist. However I agree with you that, pattern is necessary.
I like the words on their own a lot. They remind me of a medieval manuscript (maybe its the ink you are using too). Words on their own are powerful.
Home made walnut ink, it’s gorgeous
Ahh! It looks it.
thanks for sharing Rosie, love reading about your process. Words and the shapes of letters fascinate me also, look forward to seeing the finished piece
Thanks Carol. Ploughing on but a long way to go yet