The Works on Paper Prize opens tonight and I am a finalist, so I am more than a little nervous.
When I entered my recently completed work 'Lyrical Afternoon (Mutawindji)’ in the Blackstone Gallery’s Works on Paper Prize I was hopeful, yet unsure of how it might be received. Visiting the gallery late in October I was delighted to meet Marguerite and seeing what a lovely space it is I am excited to revisit tonight as a finalist.
Having my work hung and judged by such an esteemed trio is quite overwhelming as this work is the most substantial I have attempted in many years. There were several interruptions to its completion, since 2019 when I first began with mapping out the landscape and prepping. for rust printing. Every time I lay out the multi page vintage sheet music work, I went into a creating zone that made time stop. Then part way through 2022 I decided I needed to complete it, the focus was to join the pages, add the touches required to finish it and layer the rice paper backing. Now it will be in a Blackstone Gallery, viewed by many and my vision and brushstrokes will be on display. I might even get to meet Wendy Sharpe (a wow from me).
Whatever the outcome of tonight my heart is very grateful.
