Module 6 - Chapter 3

Exploring theme in pen and ink

I have a very large collection of pens, so it is good to be able to put some of them to use in this chapter. I will keep these samples below safe as it will save lots of time in the future and also save upset as I will not 'wash' those that are not permanent.

Perhaps its not relevant but one artist I like very much is Eric Ravilious, of course most of his pictures are wood engravings and lithographs, but seem to have the same feel to them as pen and ink.

6.3.1 Mark making
I am sorry that the top line has got chopped off. It should read......

Scribble, Stabilo Write 4 all permanent ...Sharpie Fine point perm...Uniball gel grip

    

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6.3.2

I thought I would start with part of a couple of the barns and I found it very useful to have done the above to help me decide which pens to use.

I was rather reluctant to put a wash on the original picture, even though of course the paper is a much better quality for a wash, so I have washed a photocopy. That means I still have the option of doing something different to the original.

Another barn, again as above but a very wishy washy wash.

I quite surprised myself by finding that my preferred pen for this sheep was in fact biro. I have done him rather large but got a bit carried away.

I didn't want to colour him, so I put him on a painted background instead.

Oh dear, this next picture of a sheep's head is horrible, the poor thing looks possessed. I definitely prefer the anvil. The fern is one of many growing in the barn walls.

The wash would have been more relevant if I had put in background I now realise.

I am looking forward to doing more drawings around the farm now I have made a start.

We do get to see lots of the sheep here. Even though they don't belong to us, we still get involved. Last week we had to move about 100 from one field to another as a man was coming to spray the dock in their field. Using the 'Mule' - a small jeep, we rounded them up and got them into the next field without incident in about 5 minutes.  However we were then asked by the man who owns them all if we could also move about 50 cows AND the bull.  Again we managed very efficiently and thankfully the bull was the good tempered one, who obligingly walk in after the cows in his own time. Phew.

Module 6 - Chapter 2

Freestanding books

6.2.1. There is an unbelievable number of artists under the headings of hand made books etc.  I have a few favourites and although her books don't pop up or out, I love the work of Frances Pickering. There is something peaceful and close to nature that I find delightful.

I have been collecting 'commercial' artist books for some time, but as usual they are all packed away somewhere.  One that I do have to hand and part of a series is the cute little London by Sara McMenemy, part of a series of cities. It is three dimensional and has a cut out skyline, is double sided and has stand outs. They make lovely souvenirs.

For many years I made a point of collecting advertising give aways that come under the heading 'paper engineering. I have a brilliant one from Honda that just keeps unfolding in different directions.

6.2.2 Samples

I have some very good quality paper that I bought some long time ago that I could use for these samples. Although it takes more work to fold neatly, it does make a strong shape.

The first is just a very long zig-zag. I could sew signatures into this, cut the top to shape, stick flags etc. So the base part is very important.

The second is a star book.  This is obviously rather limited, but can be very effective.

Another zig-zag or accordion fold book, this time with windows in various sizes cut out and pushed through to the other side. A hard covered board is stuck to each end with a ribbon slotted through before fixing one end to fasten the book.

The last one is a double slotted accordion book, again with covers as before

Just for fun I thought I would end with something I did in a 2 hour workshop at my favourite Contemporary Craft Fair, the one at Bovey Tracy. It was on paper cutting and this is one that turned out quite well.

Mind out Sue Blackwell!

Module 6 - A place in my heart

6.1.1  Choosing a theme

Viv is so right about writing down choices and key words. My first thought was St Lucia, where I spent 5 years of my childhood and it is a place very close to my heart. Then thinking about it I realise I have millions of memories, but only black and white photos. There are lots on line, but I can't pop back to see things for myself.

Next was the church at Brentor, called St Michael de Rupe. It is only 5 minutes away, I have already done many projects on it and it is an amazing place.

Finally Home is where the heart is. There is so much to say and show about this lovely farm with it's history going back several hundred years and the present house 200 years plus.

So I am going with Pittescombe Farm. It is literally on my doorstep and has lots going for it that I would love to record in some way.

Notes attached.

Now that I know where I am going and have lots of materials on hand, I am really looking forward to getting started.