My current series of work is proving to be a bit of a breakthrough series for myself. It’s become quite symbolic of the current lockdown we’ve all found ourselves in; back in aber I began painting my studio space and then moved on to painting other fellow female artists spaces. If you look back on my past blog posts, specifically the one titled ‘creative block’ you read a bit about the beginning of this project and the surveys I handed out. I ended that blog post by saying I wasn’t sure on how to respond to these surveys in the best way. Unfortunately, I never did. Whilst this project idea was exciting for me, I wasn’t yet able to do it justice and transform the women’s words about their process and their studio spaces into paintings.
I’m currently living at the bottom of my garden back at home in Preston, in my mum’s old studio space. I’ve converted it into my bedroom as well as a temporary studio space for myself; I’m fully absorbed in my work as I’m living in it 24/7. Originally, I thought this might have put a strain on my work, but I have not yet come across anything like this.
My work at the moment is based off of my studio/ bedroom, taking inspiration from the things around me. The shadows, windows, doorways and objects. Looking out and looking in. I decided to call this series ‘Her Studio’, the paintings aren’t necessarily about lockdown and being trapped inside (even though this has obviously had an effect on my work) but more about my space surrounding me and how I interact with it. My surroundings when painting have always been quite important to me.Back in Aberystwyth I had created a real creative buzz in my studio space and it almost felt as though I wasn’t able to recreate that anywhere else. I saw my studio space as a separate part of my life, it was a space dedicated solely to art and creating, so when I had to abandon it and move back home into my mum's studio I struggled with this concept at first. The idea of creating in someone else’s studio space didn’t feel quite right, how could I make the space my own and replicate that same creative buzz I had in Aber.
I am lucky enough that my mum was willing to give up her space for me to live in as well as create in. I’ve surprised myself, I’ve been prolific in my creating as well as creating work about my space and the connection I’ve built with it.
Shadows (FOR SALE £50 P&P)
Acrylic on Paper
30 x 15 cm
Scarlet Mayer-Payne
Shadows (FOR SALE £50 P&P (Contact me for further details))
Acrylic on Paper
30 x 15 cm
Scarlet Mayer-Payne
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