Geometric Neo-Abstractions...

Have just this week finally completed a series of playful neo-abstract works for F.  Each one measuring 30 x 30 x 0.5 cm is painted with acrylic on a prepared gesso panel using layers of transparent glazes and a masking technique. By combining abstract shapes in dynamic compositions with elements including primarily the circle, square and the triangle, they explore both the tension and harmony between forms and a range of relationships of balance and contrast between complementary colours and light within the spectrum.

Elsewhere, in Bruges, I have been stripping walls back to masonry in preparation eventually for a fully breathable lime morter/plaster which I will be using both inside and out to patch, render and re-point walls as well as consolidate the surface of composite walls with a range of historic layers of lime, cement/lime mix and gypsum.  This kind of 'domestic archeology', stripping back, subtracting layers in order to build up a neutral space is all about surfaces and materials but with an entirely different range of natural materials, earth colours, textures and qualities  

Sample of Unilit lime plaster 'chaux de finition' from Ecobati

In some areas layers of history in the form of newspapers and decoration forming 'collage' on various walls have been peeled back and revealed before being replaced by a white clay based breathable paint as a unifying primer. 

 I have tried to remodel and refit existing doors, rather than replacing them with new - here is a work in progress before being scraped back, sanded and re-painted. 

Reading the following words this weekend by Thich Nhat Hanh they will perhaps be helpful to recall when I am 'absent', 'loose it' and am 'not at home' in either sense of the term.  

The four establishments of mindfulness ( Satipatthana Sutta)  are the foundation of our dwelling place, without them our house is abandoned, no one is sweeping, dusting, or tidying up. Our body becomes unkempt; our feeling full of suffering, and our mind a heap of afflictions. When we are truly home, our body, mind, and feelings will be a place of refuge for ourselves and others.