Shift

This week was better than last and it was a relief. I was able to paint two pieces that I was pleased with and that seemed to connect with viewers.

This is always a good feeling. Suddenly I see possibility before me again and have a sense of freedom. The work I hold back is the work that is wanted. It is time for me release these things again. I know this release comes and goes in stages. These two pieces are the result of this shift.

Gestural and strong, guttural and decisive, that is what the future holds. It was good to come back from being so stuck and frustrated and have these be the last two paintings of the year. I talk about the shift in this week's Tuesday Studio Video Visit. If you missed it on Facebook, here it is again.


Don't forget it you are in and around Edinburgh, I currently have two paintings at The &Gallery at 17 Dundas Street. The group exhibition, Connection is on until December 23rd, so please don't miss it! I also have paintings at the Velvet Easel Gallery in Portobello until February 25th as part of the Winters Edge exhibition. Back stateside, I have pieces on show in the Fenix Group Exhibition at the Chancellor Hotel in Fayetteville, Arkansas until January 9th.

Speaking of Fayetteville, I will be heading back to my hometown this Sunday for several weeks to spend time with my family and friends for the holidays. I plan to keep up my Tuesday Studio Video Visits as well as my Studio blog with a hometown spin. I hope you will enjoy the change of scenery, I know I am looking forward to it!

Until next week, take care and keep fighting. The world needs you and your art. 

When it rains...

my hand in the studio ©2010 Megan Chapman

It pours.

The three paintings I have been working on since the beginning of June finally decided to come into being. I managed to have a productive week in the studio! First, I spent a lot of time just looking at the works that had been alluding me and thinking about them. I also discussed them in fits and starts with my peers. I then spent time in my studio with my doubts about my art, the art world, people in general, you know just working myself into a frenzy and then suddenly they all came together! I feel a great sense of relief and momentary hope. I think one work may have a little bit further to go, but for now I am holding back and calling it done.

Thanks for checking in here and being an encouraging voice when I was at the wall wondering what to do next. Thanks also for your support and lovely comments about the institute du loop exhibition.

Without further ado, here are the newest members of the white series. These are just studio snap shots, but they give you an idea...

when I close my eyes
© 2010 Megan Chapman

tie a stone to my heart and watch it sink

© 2010 Megan Chapman

you will find me here (at the end of the line)
©2010 Megan Chapman

And for those interested: this song was on repeat and loud on my headphones while it all came together in the studio.

And of course, I am still working on behalf of the institute du loop. I so enjoy being surrounded by the artist's words, sounds and photographs, they come together so well to engulf me and make for a lovely place to hide while I wait for paint to dry.

institute du loop: a place to drown
on display through July 31.
Hive gallery Fayetteville Underground
gallery hours W-F 12-7 and Saturday 10-5

Photographs are $30 per image (open edition) and they are also priced by the wall collection. There is a visual journal with images and words by the artist for $ 15.00, a limited edition exhibition poster for $25.00 and the soundtrack composed by the artist is available for $10.00. Near or far, please contact me if you would like more information about this exhibition at megancha@gmail.com