While I was drawing the chart- which is akin to constructing a mandala- a meditative experience- I started to think about all the stuff I'd read recently about contemporary drawing, and what it could relate to. And I thought- if I take the aspect net (the pattern made by angles between planets in a chart) and superimpose it on an abstract painting made personal by what I know about the person involved- what would happen?
I realise I'm talking a lot esoteric, a bit abstract and a bit scientific here, and possibly surreal as well. Bear with me...
Anyway, I did a painting for my friend and superimposed the aspect net on it, using different weight lines to differentiate the strenght of the aspect influences. And d'you know- it worked. The differing line widths had my trial onlookers peering closer to unravel the full picture. And you do have the feeling of having to look closer to discover- of having to get to the bottom of the matter. I personally feel like that when confronted with one of Naum Gabo's Constructionist works- which is why I currently think that this falls under Constructivism, using pre-determined data sets to produce an outcome.
So I was on a roll now, I got a load of other birth data together and ran with it. Sometimes I used metallic lines, sometimes significant colour choices. (Either of which don't aways photograph particularly well) In addition, I used data from specific times and places to generate patterns of events which were significant in my life. then: as I am currently going through a bit of upheaval personally, I generated data for what was going on in the here and now. Some of this got mutated by my descision to utilise comparative data where an artificial set of "midpoints" (akin to an average) is produced and a completely different aspect net shows up.
At this point it seeems right to say that I love where this idea is going. I am using symbolic systems which I have worked with for many years to produce coherent visual images, and can deal with issues of self-discovery, redemption and healing, all of which have eluded me in my former essays into the abstract. I feel as though I have finally tapped into something which is true to my "voice", and the ideas keep flowing. Having produced 10 works and 2 working drawings in 10 days I am exhausted, but my compulsion to continue is there.
Whether I can find a gallery to represent me remains to be seen, but I have had some useful pointers tonight from contemporary West Cornwall artists having shared a little of what I am currently embedded in. The current art market is difficult and with potential customers tightening their belts, the niche market needs to be more carefully sought. Presentation is also key and tonight I tapped up contacts on any ideas on good framers who understand the needs of the artist and- more importantly- the gallery. (P.S. got two solid ones- never forget to chat to the peeps in a drop-in class...)
However the hour is late and I'm going to leave you now, I will have the Spiral Dance series online asap at http://www.awmcguire.webs.com/ in it's own gallery i.e. "Spiral Dance".
Thanks to anyone who read this to the end...
Liz x
