Seeing the Sally Mann exhibition in London the other day got me thinking about my biggest influences. As a drawer, they’re still isn’t much in terms of prominent drawers to look up to, so I find myself influenced by artists who work in different media. Printmaking and photography are forms of art I tend to look for inspiration from more than, say, painting or sculpture. I can admit here that painting is really something I took up in high school, and later on in university, as an act to try and be taken more seriously as an artist. While I do enjoy painting (sometimes) it is not where my true interest really lays. Painting is still held in more regard than any other form of art and I think that is quite unfortunate and outdated.
As I have mentioned in a previous post, my technique has changed once again. I am building works up with different layers of line and tone and it has really started me thinking about etching. Printmaking is something I was always told to pursue, but I have only done a few short courses in it over time. Looking at my work now, I regret that I haven’t taken printmaking more seriously, but by the same token, I am not sure I would have found myself where I am now with my technique.
While Sally Mann is my favorite in the photography world, William Hogarth is my favorite in the printmaking world. My Mother had books on him and I remember when I was little looking through these books and while not really understanding the subject matter, I was really drawn to how much was going on in each print. I now appreciate his work for both the imagery and the subject matter. Being out in London on a Saturday night last year, I couldn’t believe how true his social commentary still rang. Only, it’s not Gin now, it’s Ale.. Or beer.. Or some kind of yeasty gassy thing that has a different name but it is still pretty shite and has a similar effect.
‘Gin Lane’ is one of my favorite images, and it comes with attached with a little poem..
Gin, cursed Fiend, with Fury fraught,
Makes human Race a Prey.
It enters by a deadly Draught
And steals our Life away.
Virtue and Truth, driv’n to Despair
Its Rage compells to fly,
But cherishes with hellish Care
Theft, Murder, Perjury.
Damned Cup! that on the Vitals preys
That liquid Fire contains,
Which Madness to the heart conveys,
And rolls it thro’ the Veins
I’m still drawing away on a new image, but with this new technique it takes a lot longer to draw now. But that’s ok. I like all the work that goes into it. As I keep saying, drawing has a cathartic effect for me, and while I am still on the mend, it’s good for me now.
