Continuing.....

Continuing.....

So during the Christmas break, i decided to read a few books. This was one of them

"Steal Like an Artist" by Austin Kleon
This was a part of TOP but this task in TOP and appropriation has also deeply affected my practice.

The best thing is, my practice is directly linked in with my TOP

The more i read, the more connections i made with my work and the theme of Appropriation. 

Now ill be giving you quotes from the book now and then, i marked them down as i read the book. 

Oe quote inside said "Art is Theft" 

Know who said that?

Pablo Picasso

Who did you know appropriated from Rembrandt. 

This is Brick Lane Market #6, 2015 

This i painted near the end of 2014. 

I really enjoyed this piece because one of the early layers was the bunny rabbit drawing in the background, then i was revolving the graffiti around the eye as the centre piece. 

I like how the eye has this dark seemingly endless visual outcome more or less right in the middle of the painting, with its white splatters of paint, it seems like a never ending universe 

Almost a story 

I mentioned in one of the earlier blogs that we went to visit the British Museum last year, and went to study a few paintings. 

Two of the paintings we visited was one by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, and the other was a Goya drawing. 

Now the story here is, Goya, was a great admirer of Tiepolo's work and copied his style. He wanted to learn his style, master it. This is like me and my work, me copying the style of graffiti artist out in London but the only difference is, I'm changing the medium and surface in which i apply the work on. 

A quote from the book in a way, helped me, made sense, on what is plagiarism. 

" If you copy from one author, its plagiarism, but if you copy from many, its research" - Wilson Mizner 

Throughtout this territories of practice, it has been insightful

I am in a group with 2 girls, whom do video. I do painting. 

Yes its different but it is really interesting to expand my knowledge on the subject of appropriation throughout different disciplines within art, not just painting. 

But the subject of appropriation is beginning to be too focused. 

It is better to have a broad knowledge of different theories and themes of art, yet us concentrating solely on Appropriation can cause us to loose sight of other things around us. 

Its been good so far. Now for the Symposium.....

Brick Lane Market #7, 2014

What really captivates me from this piece is that it is rather narrative. It speaks. like a debate or disagreement of something, an essence of dispute and anger yet the colours contradicts that

The painting argues with itself through subject and colour 

Brick Lane Market #8, 2014

Brick Lane Market #9, 2015

As you can see, the previous pieces i used a kind of, glossy acrylic paint 

In this most recent piece i did not. The background i though in my opinion may have been to bright therefore i decided not to do it. 

Keep you Updated !!

E.

Halcyon Gallery - Dale Chihuly "Lumiere"

Halcyon Gallery - Dale Chihuly "Lumiere" 

Before the start of the new term, i had arrived to London early, sending time with the family before sending my little brother off to school in North Yorkshire. 

We came across the Halcyon Gallery in the evening and the interior was glowing, you could see the illumines-sense from the outside 

This immediate turned our heads as it caught out attention 

Inside was an exhibition exhibiting Dale Chihuly, who in this series of work made Acrylic Light Drawings!

Lumiere is the first exhibition of Dale Chihuly's Acrylic light drawings. 

This style of his has been developing throughout his carer. "Beginning as illustrative tools used to direct and inspire his visions for glass - his drawings have become increasingly important as independent outlets for his expressions, whilst simultaneously providing a vital means for him to release his energy" 

His work is very expressive and abstract

From the light, you could see almost completely through the acrylic paint, which gives the audience a visual texture. Like there a more mark makings within the marks itself!! Brilliant concept 

"Somebody once said people become artist because they have a certain kind of energy to release. That rings true to me. it must have an outlet. Thats why i draw" - Dale Chihuly

 Chihuly's Work has no direct link to my work

Yes it is colourful but the  is somewhat different. Mark makings are in few aspects similar. 

It is however very interesting to see this kind of concept. this new innovative idea being processed and seen. Very interesting

Not only paintings but sculptures too. 

They make wonderful interior designs and possibly an iconic feature 

The overall curation of the place was impressive. 

I enjoyed this show very much. 

"Portobello Road", London, Acrylic Painting Piece

"Portobello Road", London, Acrylic Painting Piece

This upcoming series of paintings, i am capturing the presence of a location through man-made marks and decisions and projecting them to the audience through paint. 

I went to Portobello road and gathered in information, i photographed marks such like these:

I painted on a piece of wood to emphasise the streets atmosphere/mood.

I painted with a method of layering

See how it progresses......

From here i continued layering images and marks

The crowdingness talks business on the street, colours show liveliness and life, spirit. 

chalk marks and writings, describes the selling atmosphere in this road. 

Final Look

This is just the beginning stages and i plan to develop this on further

Art made by Prisoners, Offenders, Secure Patients and Detainees

So i heard from a friend that there was this exhibition, where all the artwork there were made from criminals, people in prison.

This immediately caught my attention.

For those living in London, This Exhibition is at the South Bank Centre, SE1 8XX
Its Free Admission

This was it's Entrance piece. "Pirate Ship"
Artist at Bluebird House, Hampshire (Secure mental health unit, under 18's)

The "Pirate Ship" was entirely made out of recycled material, cardboard.

I was really fascinated by this piece due to the fact that it was all made from somebody's hands.

It shows that when somebody puts their heart, mind and soul into something, possibilities are endless.
I love creating things using my hands, this is a great encouragement in motivating me to do so.

Very good work ... but not my favourite piece.

 "Son of a Red Man"
Artist at HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Parc, Wales

I was interested in this because of its facial expression.
When i was at the gallery, being surrounded by the works created by offenders, i absorbed a strong sense of regret, memories, hopes and dreams.
It was rather emotional for me because i felt that some of the artist really felt sincere and regret and expressed it through a medium of art.

Looking at this sculpture, i feel upset, somehow making me think about the wrongs i did in the past, like i may have hurt someone and didn't notice.

This is a very powerful piece to me, the favourite of the day
I also want to start ceramics, its always been a fascination but never really experienced it.

I also want to say this, It doesn't matter who you are and what you have done in the past, it is what you do in the present and the future that makes you who you are.
These people, although stated as criminals and offenders, have actually inspired me, they showed me a glimpse of their affliction and how they are conquering it. A meanings to a true artist?

 "Forgiveness - The Prodigal Son"
Artist at Ashworth Hospital, Merseyside (Secure mental health unit)

Th title aroused my interest immediately.
Forgiveness.
We all have our secrets, we hold onto the things we've done wrong. The only for closure is forgiveness, but some of us are often too afraid to ask or not willing to forgive.

Just the title got me thinking.
You have to understand that everyone makes mistakes, your close friend or even family. Next time they do something wrong, forgive them. If no one makes mistakes, no one can learn from them and improve.

 "Mercury, Messenger of the Gods"
HM Prison Whatton, Nottinghamshire
(Right side piece)

I looked closely at this piece, i followed the marks on the page, i could see in depth lumps around the eyes, going in. I felt as if he (Rob) put more pressure down onto the page as he was colouring the eyes. Like he'd seen something bad and wanted to erase it. Emotional whilst drawing.



"Bluer Shade of Green" (One above)
Greenwich office, London Probation Trust
This was simply a beautiful portrait, Beautiful colours, beautiful girl and beautifully painted.
I rather like the lens flare effect in this painting. Maybe she is his (Nigel) girlfriend or wife waiting for him to return. At home? His place? Was it an anniversary? Does she seem upset, worried or about to quit? Paintings like these raises so many questions it sparks unlimited interest.

 "The Last Time We Met"
HM Prison Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Sorry about the slight reflection of me, this was a piece behind glass so harder to shoot.

Again, the title interest me.
This is a memory so dear to him/her.
Were they a family once upon a time?

Memories like this are hard to forget, love is such a powerful emotion that it can drive him to do good, and return to this scenario once again.
Certain memories can keep a person together, motivate those to accomplish the impossible.

I would just like to thank the Koestler Trust and Southbank Centre for continuing their partnership and showing the works of prisoners, offenders, secure patients and detainees.

Anyone can create art, art doesn't necessarily mean a painting or a drawing, it is something with meaning that you express to others in a form. Art is life, anything and everything you see is Art.

If you disagree, question or tell me about it, i would love to talk to you about it and hear what you have to say.

Love you all
Smile as big as you can NOW :)

Eugene Lee