Gan Hyem!
‘I’m Going Home’ in Geordie speak! I’ve been a little quiet of late and this is why!!! I can finally reveal a special commission I’ve been working on for some time…
I love storytelling and this piece is absolutely rammed with narrative. The brief was to capture the every day life and general spirit of this wonderful family home in Devon… and of course it’s human and non human inhabitants! So much to fit in and the challenge was akin to solving a puzzle at times - in relation to proportion and composition! The joy of naive art (as well as the clients) gave me the licence for artistic freedom and inaccuracy - very much needed! You certainly would only find cabbages the same size as bike wheels in naive art!!
The subject matter as you can see was utterly wonderful and reproducing this idyllic house and garden was a joy. As always with such jobs, research was required and a few sneaky trips for photography. I do have a slight fear of textile art humans but luckily they appeared human. I was much more comfortable with the Badger the dog and Nigel the cockerel. LOL.
The artwork was a surprise gift for a lady on her 40th birthday. The lady in question originates from Newcastle, hence the piece is titled ‘Gan Hyem’ - a well known phrase in those parts. A lovely personal touch from her parents and husband.
Another special touch is the handmade pottery, created from a friend of the family. These little beauts were created by Helen Jones, a potter in St Agnes. I was just so relieved they stayed in one piece!
Tiny cups and glasses created by Helen Jones of St Agnes, scattered around the piece for people to find!! - particularly apt as the mum of this household is known for leaving cups and glasses all over the garden!
All in all, a great success and the family love it (I’m delighted and relieved to say!)
Due to gallery and exhibition commitments I’m not able to undertake any more commissions this year. However, I am happy to consider commission work for 2025 - please get in touch earlier rather than later if there’s something you have in mind! It certainly does have to be big!! I would be very happy to discuss any ideas with you. It could be favourite place, your home or favourite flowers (quite popular!).
One of these days, I will get around to creating one for myself!!