The last few days, and nights, have been really cold. The last few mornings, off and on, it’s been snowing — some mornings harder than others. Sometimes the snow lingers, other times, you blink, and it’s gone.
As I approach the Open Spaces residency deadline of 15 November (at least for the opening…I have 2 weeks more to continue painting), the little grey cells are working overtime. To continue the good fight, I often head outside to clear my head. Funny that on the clear days with sun, I’m holed up in the studio but as soon as the snow falls, I want to be outside. Brisk air being good for a feverish brain, I figure.
I think this is a greenhouse…
Apart from the wonder of the effect of a solid colour (in this case white) to neutralise a canvas, I have been delighted at the effects of the snow and the cold on structures and flora. I would be delighted too at the effects on the fauna, but the fauna, both domestic and wild, are smarter than me, and seek shelter indoors or at least, out of the cold. That is, for the most part. The neighbour’s black cat sits in the middle of the field for a good 10-15 minutes almost every morning, snow, frost or sunshine. Just sits…pleases himself (I’m almost certain it’s a he), the goes back into the house. Very strange.
Yesterday I took the train to Montreux to see the Montreux Art Gallery contemporary art fair. Easy enough to find, and a short walk from the train station. I had wanted to participate, but the registration and booth fees were just not in my budget. Two hours later, my mind was reeling from all the work…sculptures, paintings, installations, street art, shown by galleries and independent artists. Some of the work was inspiring, others, well let’s just say not my cup of tea.
Info from MAG’s fair
Back in Feutersoey, several chimneys have been lit, and orange-topped poles have been planted along the roadside to guide motorists during fog and heavy snow…both of which I hope not to see while I’m here. I still have not gotten over my anxiety of being driven along a precipitous route during a whiteout in North Carolina sometime in the 80s. Tonight the wind has picked up considerably…howling and gnashing at the windows, and the skylights. The forecast for today was mainly sunny, descending into rain then snow tonight and tomorrow. Oh look…it’s snowing. Right. Coffee, maybe two, before I head back to the studio.
Workspace in the kitchen
Please join me on this journey, and receive at the end, an original made-in-Switzerland-by me artwork of your very own. Of course, along the way, you get to follow my blog (online or via email), and see progress reports.
Visit my original blogpost with a Paypal link — and help yourself to an original painting made-in-Switzerland-by-me sent to you at the end of my residency. Thank you.
FOR YOU
- USD $50 support: (acid free mixed media paper, 6×8 inches.) Still available #27
- USD $100 support: (acid free mixed media paper 9×12 inches.) Still available #16
- USD $200 support: (handmade South Indian paper A4.) Still available #5
I will also provide updates about my journey on my blog as well as a special pdf diary of works in progress and extensive studio photos. BONUS: I’ll also send select digital images from my extensive Grenada Traditional Masquerade series, direct to your email address.
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