It’s been a while since I sat down to write. I’m still figuring out how I balance this little letter and the rest of my art practice with my almost full time job. The garden has been looking a bit rough, but it’s almost time to put things to bed for the year. The deck has been on the To Do list for ages, so I am feeling good about finally finishing all the oiling of the deck and exterior painting so we could bring the 2 large planter boxes up.
I can’t wait to get these filled and plant my Sweet Peas - They will be amazing in this space! I will be planting the seeds I got from my plants last season (High Scent and Almost Black) as well as a variety from Emerden called Castlewellan
I’m about to harvest the last of the Strawflowers and collect some more Dahlia seeds before I let them die back.
I’m still on the sketchbook vibe like I was last month, but I have finished a sketchbook I have had since 2021!
I found a bunch of old tubes of gouache and watercolour in the cupboard, so slowly started painting and then adding detail with coloured pencil on top. I’m of the firm belief that if you enjoy something you should do it, even if you aren’t good at it cos that’s how you improve. I don’t always manage to have a daily drawing practice, but I’m enjoying the times when I do.
After the weekend spent at Printopia, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration when it comes to the role print plays in my art practice. One of my besties Sarah from Ode Adornment came up from Christchurch for the weekend and we spent Friday and Saturday at the festival together.
It was such a vibe! So many printmakers and enthusiasts in one place, showcasing their work and chatting. I saw so many unbelievably beautiful prints. I had a limited budget, but one specific print caught my eye.
This beautiful etching by artist Emma Stretch reminded me of my Grandpa’s garden when I was a kid, but also reminded me of The Witches by Roald Dahl (the original movie version) where that girl is magically inserted into the painting and lives in it until she grows old and dies. I can’t wait to get it framed!
After having a couple of busy weekends, this weekend I am going to get all my autumn planting done and sort out the garden paths and just get things tidied up.
To-Do List
Cleaning up the bombsite round the back of my house.
Creating proper paths around the bed with mulch and edges.
Collecting Dahlia seeds
Cut things down where needed and start to put leaf mould on the garden.
Collect leaves for next year’s leaf mould
So what else is happening? I’m trying to figure out how I can go to the drop in printmaking studio every second Tuesday, get access to a proper press, work out of the house and have some chats with people.
I feel like making time for art is a good thing!
Rach xo