Now that I’ve experimented with working in a completely different mode for ‘Peatland Charm Bracelet‘, I’m much more aware of the ways in which I’ve previously limited the scope of my creative work. That project also shone new light on the depth and significance of my connection to Calderdale.
The sheer ‘muchness’ of Calderdale has long been a source of delight and creative inspiration to me. The shapes, colours and textures of my mixed media collage work all link back to the rich sensory experience of spending time outdoors walking and running here in the South Pennines.
Part of me is longing to return to my stash of materials, eager to pick up the threads of my quest to make work that evokes the qualities and moods of this incredibly varied landscape. But part of me is wary of falling back into potentially regressive habits if I do.
I don’t want to return to my old, two-stage process of first making collage materials then cutting and assembling them to construct a final piece. It’s perpetuating an unnecessary divide between intuitive, playful, experimental mark-making and more considered, analytical thinking. Both have their place and I’m curious about how my work might evolve if I’m able to bring them into a more integrated, responsive dialogue with one another.
I realise that if I want to better understand and develop the visual language I use to convey my experience of Calderdale, I need time to explore, experiment and reflect on what I’m learning. And the best way to help myself achieve that is by making it an ongoing project. And by giving it a name.
Goodbye indecision, hello ‘Clough to Causey‘.
