Beyond The Canvas
A little memory from ‘The Colours of Nature’ Exhibition, Walkers Fine Art, Farndon, Cheshire
On Art, Connection & Meaning
This week, I returned to Farndon. Not to hang work this time, but to collect remaining pieces after the exhibition.
It has been lovely to have the opportunity to meet and spend time with other talented artists also exhibiting. There is something quite special about a community where people are showing up, creating, making and putting their art into the world. The artworks have all been on display for several weeks, and it got me reflecting on what happens when a painting leaves the studio and enters a space where it can be seen.
It is an interesting process. Until that point, the paintings are like a relationship between me and the canvas. They evolve as I choose the composition, develop the layers, feel the final piece emerge. They all start with a ‘Moment of Noticing’, they all start with their own story, and then become a process of making.
At some point in the painting's journey, I have to decide that it is finished enough to let it go. (Some paintings I’m still not quite able to let go of!) But once it's hanging on a gallery wall, it becomes part of somebody else's experience.
The interesting thing is, even though I’ve made the decisions about the subject, the colours the last brush stroke, I don't actually get to decide what anyone else sees.
They might notice something that I hadn't really thought about. They may bring their own memory or an association to it. They may be drawn to a particular colour, a tiny detail, the light, the texture, or simply the feeling that it gives them when they stand in front of it.
That is one of the most beautiful things about art, the physical painting itself hasn't changed, but the encounter with it becomes a personal experience for everyone.
One of the most wonderful things as an artist is to hear the stories and experiences from the people who have resonated with the work in some way. It feels like the paintings almost grow their own personality and identity, with new stories, new meaning and new connections.
So, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to get in touch and connect with me and share their experiences. It really does mean so very much.
There is joy in the noticing, the process, the making of, but ultimately, the magic happens not in the studio with me and the painting, but when it stirs something in another person. When the paintings become part of someone else’s experience.
I’d love to take this opportunity to thank everybody who went to see the exhibition, who stopped to look, who shared their thoughts with me, who collected artwork, or who simply spent a little time with the paintings.
Thank you for bringing your own stories, memories and meanings to the work. It makes this all such a beautiful, rich cycle of sharing!
I think there is a particular kind of joy to be found in creating something that is eventually no longer ours.
Have you ever made something as a gift for someone else? Perhaps a painting, a card, a cake, something knitted or crocheted, a meal, a cup of tea even! Or simply something you’ve made with your own hands?
What does it feel like for you to make something knowing that it will become part of someone else’s life?
Until next Sunday…
🌿 May you find inspiration in nature this week.
Tracey Anne x
