Flora

Continued development of two screen printed patterns. As mentioned before these are very much inspired by 1950s colours. I'm experimenting with combining simple shapes, created using roughly cut out paper, or thick stripes of ink with more detailed collage elements.

Patterns 2

Here are some initial designs screen printed last week- I am working towards creating a repeating pattern with them.  I have chosen quite a 50s set of colours-the pale pinks and blues remind me of Formica table tops and Bakelite. 

I'm also experimenting with over-printing to create depth- using pale, heavily diluted inks to create translucent layers which can be printed on top of the darker colours.

Pattern inspiration

From top:

Tom Wagener (Museum of Everything)/Lips, 2010

John Cage (with Calvin Sumsion)/Not Wanting to Say Anything about Marcel, 1969

Alfred Wallis/ White House and Cottages, 1930

Alfred Wallis/ Sailing ships and Two Steamers, 1932

Alfred Wallis/ White Houses, 1930-32

I have recently been doing quite a lot of research into print and patterns. I find myself drawn to patterns which are fairly random and accidental. The pieces above I think are wonderful examples of 'accidental' patterns- though they perhaps were not intended to be so.
Alfred Wallis is one of my favourite painters for many reasons: the simple naivety of his pictures and the beautiful subdued colour palette he used. In these examples,the repetition of houses and fishing boats creates a beautiful, simple pattern.

In Progress/Patterns

Screen printed simple patterns I'm working on

In Progress

 A peek at a magazine commission in progress which I have just finished- I'll post the full story when it's released.  I've been experimenting recently using screen printing to create coloured blocks and shapes which can be used as backgrounds for mixed-media collages

Also visible, my brand new acquisition -a bright red Anglepoise type 75 Mini. I'm very proud of it.  It's been making night time working a lot more jolly.

London Winter

Snow is by far my favourite weather type. Plus an excuse to wear a variety of knitwear, what could be better