Monday, November 28, 2011

7ism and a bit



Painting done near the river in Cape York where Edmund Kennedy lost his life during his ill-fated expedition to Cape York 1848. Some of his papers were recovered and the botanist (William CARRON (1821-1876) wrote an account of their journey, which can be found here.
"He is a fine fellow, he will either accomplish his object, or leave his bones in the bush!"
- Comment made of Edmund Kennedy before he left for his 1848 Cape York expedition.



A week and one day ago I made one of my increasing infrequent visits to some of the bloggers I enjoy following. I dropped in to see what Natalie d'Arbeloff may have been up to. She had just started a small movement to inspire her (and others) to begin and finish an art work in 7 days and then share the results.

On the spur of the moment I joined up. After all a manifesto needs supporters and it sounded like a good idea.

But the reality is I hardly seem to find the time to develop and run the programs I do at sea. How was I really to start and finish an art work in 7 days?

So did I do it? Well- yes and no. The water colours above are actually pieces I have worked on up in Cape York and they represent the few moments at sea that I found time to put brush top paper. But I did finish the second one and place both of them onto the wall of my semi-empty studio space in the garden. As talismans of a process that I am determined to return to.

So my art work of the past week was me, padding across my weedy lawn, stopping to rip up more of the lawn and sprinkle fertiliser on basil seeds, finish planting strawberries and lettuce and placing these two pictures up on a wall.

And looking at them.