Studio Work 'Inkteriors'
In my previous post, I wrote about bringing a new collection of work out and how doing so is a nerve-racking experience. The fruits come after the making and any artist has to trust the process. Telling clients about a new project begins with introducing the concept. So here I go.
Introducing ‘Inkteriors’
I liken this to an author beginning a new book - the months of research are complete, notes hang all over the workspace and the writer is tired before the first page is written.
In the early stages of forming a new project, I like to name the idea I am working on. I give it a working title that may end up becoming the actual collection name, though it’s not a given.
Inkteriors fits this project for me beautifully.
Bold original line drawings designed to hang in our home spaces, breathing fresh air to treasured objects that we hold and handle every day in our kitchens and homes.
What’s the idea behind the new drawings?
My line drawings talk to us of the items gathered in our kitchen tool collection. Born of a new appreciation for them during our collective lockdown experience, these tools became important to me as I chopped, boiled, baked, and cooked my way through the anxieties we were facing.
I didn’t learn how to bake sourdough but I loved the fact that neighbours in all communities were concerned about each other and sharing. Be it ingredients or time, medication runs or shopping for those that needed it - humans came together brilliantly because we had to.
I found solace in cooking for my family and loved the appreciation I was shown for doing so. I spent time upping my game on recipes and found far more joy in eating together than ever before.
Waistlines grew, but so did the collective health of my family because we were eating properly. We made food that we took time over - my tired and knackered kitchen tools took happy employment in my hands.
My kitchen tools became important and I found a new appreciation for them.
Where the items in my kitchen come from, I honestly couldn’t tell you.
Wooden spoons from house-clearing family members that are no more, cutlery gathered from car boot sales, coffee makers from when Carl previously lived in Rome, our kitchen items found their way into our home and work miracles for us. They aren’t pretty, but they don’t have to be. I was glad that they work and we own them.
In short, the idea behind this collection of line drawings is to give them appreciation and space.
Recognition of the service they give us daily, and most importantly, the job they do for us.
Each drawing or drypoint print in this collection is made by my own hand. All the works are original, either made on my printmaking press of drawn by hand. Each it’s own little celebration of the items I am drawing.
How do I envisage them hanging in your home?
Perhaps as a collection.
Two, three or four works together as a drop, quarters or in a line. I want each piece to work on its own and hang beautifully together.
I’ll be writing more soon, but for now I hope this post gives you a good understanding of the conception of this collection and if you have any questions, I’m happy to answer.
Much love
Sam
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