Disappear Here

Disappear Here, mixed media on canvas, 10x10cm, 2026 © Megan Chapman
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Paintings are thresholds to be crossed

I put the keys under the mat by the front door
But you have to come to the porch and you have to know where to look
Don't be afraid to wake the sleeping dog or worry the neighbour
You must be brave and feel that those keys were left for you

Breathe. Turn the lock. Open the door.
Step into the dark. Find the light.
Now you can sit and stay a while.
No rush, no hurry.

You are inside
My home

Make yourself comfortable
Imagine yourself living here
Within the mystery of its bones

As you leave the key for the next guest
Something of you remains

My line dances through it all

Solidly in the centre

mixed media on paper

29.7 x 42 cm (11.69 x 16.54 in)

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This month we are continuing to take a deep dive into my love of working on paper (see last week's post if you missed it)

Working on paper has a rich history and has been part of my art practice since the beginning. Its versatility as well as its ability to be easily preserved and displayed, as well as transported, make paper one of the first materials I reach for. The tooth and texture pull me in. The sound of the brush or pencil across it is one of my favourite things. Each type of paper has its own song and inspires the work.

A sequence of webs #3
mixed media on paper
29.7 x 42 cm (11.69 x 16.54 in)
£125

This is no child’s dance
No crayon across a blank page
It was born from there
Kept alive by sheer will
and stubbornness
It was encouraged by my mother
and father
It was grown by teachers, mentors, and even thieves

You don’t have to understand it
to feel it
You don’t need to have lived it
to know it
A scroll - a poem, a dedication, a prayer, a song…
My line dances through it all

A sequence of webs #1
mixed media on paper
29.7 x 42 cm (11.69 x 16.54 in)
£125

This piece above is all about the calming direct energy of the white stroke through the earthy noise and lines in the background. Like a ribbon or rope guiding us in or pulling us out on top. Perhaps it is a wave we are riding through life. If you look at the painting below, "A sequence of webs number 2". You can compare and contrast the two pieces and see how they are different chapters of the same tale.

A sequence of webs #2
mixed media on paper
29.7 x 42 cm (11.69 x 16.54 in)
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The paintings often know the story long before I do.

Thanks for joining me this week here on the studio blog. Take care out there. 

Stories waiting to be told

I'll erase the webs and I will crash your boat.
I will dress in delicate lace paired with dirty boots and I will walk the floor.
I will keep trying to get it right.
While ghosts rummage in the silverware drawer
Your thoughts are better kept to yourself

Keeper

Oh, life...

I was wired, raw, and exhausted after the first part of the month with the intense turnaround time of the previous commissions. I was looking forward to spending time at our wee shack by the sea and regrouping and preparing for the holidays.

Life had other plans and it turned out to be one hell of a week. I am grateful for my friends and family near and far. I am honoured and lucky to know the beautiful souls that I do.

Here are some good things that happened in my art world. This wonderful poem, Keeper by Jane Murray Bird was published in The Pickled Body. Jane's poem was inspired by my painting from 2015, Memories of distant places.

I was thinking of posting the painting that inspired Jane's poem but I love her words so much on their own. You can find my painting, Memories of Distant Places, on my website if you are curious.

In other news, UK and International, art supplier, Jackson's Art Supplies once again shared the interview they did with me this past summer across all their social media platforms. I appreciated the interview the first time around and was delighted with this additional exposure. It is always wonderful to pick up some new and lovely followers of my work. If you missed it the first time you can read the interview here.

I think that's all I have for you this week. Take care of yourself and each other. The world needs you and your art. Thank you for reading my blog and for your continued support. Happy Holidays.