It is always the ‘decisions’ that are difficult isn’t it! So after some brain storming sessions with the whole group we have come to the conclusion that the title/inspiration for our next exhibition is to be ‘WILD’.
So the first decision made and now it is up to the 12 of us to develop our individual ideas. Some people decide quickly and are up and working before others of us have even drawn breath! I am very much a ‘last minute’ person, finding it difficult to get going until the opening date is snapping at my heels. The other ideas that members are working on always sound more interesting than my own. I try doodling a ‘mind map’ while on the train.
Because I enjoy travelling my mind turns to some of the wilder places I have visited. Deserts, jungles, canyons, safaris …..Some I have used in past shows and none seem to spark my imagination at the moment. Then, in January, my husband and I visit this place.
Not in some distant wild country but on the outskirts of Paris in the Bois de Boulogne here is an example of rather ‘wild’ architecture! Designed by Frank Gehry for the Fondation Louis Vuitton as an exhibition space. My camera is super busy and I capture almost 100 images!
Appealing to my mathematical background the curves and lines of the structure are fascinating; a new view around every corner with glass and reflections offering endless interest . With interior and exterior staircases there is a continuous interplay between inside and outside changing constantly with the light. The building ‘sits’ in a basin of water with an amazing waterfall and the thousands of glass panels are like huge sails anchored to the white blocks like an iceberg.
Gehry himself said, ‘I dream of designing a magnificent vessel for Paris that symbolizes France’s cultural vocation’.
I print small copies of my photos and from those choose the ones I think are most interesting and produce a series of small tracings.
Then into a sketchbook ….. paint, collage, printing ,,,,,
Phew … I really like some of these. All I have to do now is DECIDE which I might use and how to present them as finished pieces. I haven’t nearly finished, in fact I’ve hardly started!!
To see what I finally decide you can visit the exhibition at Penny School Gallery in KingstonKingston in November.
Written, photographed and illustrated by Linda Walsh