’Towers of Light’ is probably the most formless abstract work I have painted. I still puzzle over how it came to look as it does. Each time I look at it I wonder ‘Is it finished?’ To be frank, I’m still not sure. Yet there is something in the clash of orange and purple, the blue and the yellow that appeals.
The title comes from my response to a book. For the first time I participated in the Blarney Books and Art Biblio Prize. Each person who enters is allocated a book to read. The next step is to create a painting inspired by the book for consideration for the final exhibition. My book was ‘Oblivion’ by Patrick Holland.

Finding the Key

’Oblivion’ could not have been more removed from my personal experience. Set in huge South East Asian cities which I had not visited, I had no personal images to draw upon. The plot had some interesting moments, but I didn’t relate to any of the characters and I really struggled to find anything at all for an artwork.

The painting which emerged as ‘Towers of Light’ was already underway. I had put it aside because I didn’t know what to do with it. When I considered the book, my overwhelming image was of nameless glass skyscrapers full of apartments with blue lap pools. At last I had a key. The yellow light pouring through glass. Narrow blue lap pools on balconies. An assembly of stacked grid-like apartments, one on the other. Put this with the sense of being anonymous in a strange place and I think that is the essence of my painting.
Does it work? Well, I didn’t make the exhibition, which didn’t surprise me. I’m sure there were many better works among the entries.

A New Life for a Painting

If I’m honest, ‘Towers of Light’ Is not one of my favourite creations. I wondered whether to paint over it or not. Then I considered my Redbubble page. I wondered how it would look on some products.

Surprisingly, it looks great as a mini skirt. Not that I wear them. Also as a desk mat. Funny, isn’t it, how images can take on a new life.

In later posts I will write about my fabric designs. There really is a different process involved for textiles. The more I consider putting my work on stationery, home decor, clothing and other items, the more I realise this is a design skill I’m still learning.

So, here’s to trying new things, stretching comfort zones and participating in challenging events. I plan to do more of each. It can only help me grow as an artist.