My practice.

Playful experimentation with ink, wax, and colour. Blue is a colour that I rarely use. I don't like blue because I have had to wear blue uniforms all my life and they make me feel tired. (School uniforms and cabin crew uniforms).

Without the constraints of themes or plans, I joyfully assemble elements that allow my imagination to roam freely. Every combination leads to the next. Serendipity guides my creations, leading to unexpected patterns and mark-making.

• I like the beauty that arises from following my instincts and indulging in the pure pleasure of creation.

• I look at Japanese postcards to inspire my colour choices.

• I use wax 'zones' with the influence of Savdie.

• The biomorphic pattern echoes a natural looping line.

• I used an abstract ink painting and cut it into a circle shape.

• The Wax did not adhere. The Wax was remelted. Wax was reapplied to the encaustic gessoed base.

• The base was attached to an old round sprayed mirror.

Materials.

• Circular cake boards 1 x 30cm diameter and 1 x 40cm diameter

• Circular 'found metal mirror' 37cm diameter

• Ink.

• Ink abstract design on paper.

• Encaustic wax and gesso.

• Acrylic Ink.

• Tape

• Acrylic Glaze.

• Various-sized brushes, synthetic and goat hair.

• Collaged board

• Glue Gun.

Progress Images.

Techniques used.

• Poured and dripped wax.

• Sgraffito with a metal tool into the wax surface.

• Accretion of the wax (building up surface tensions)

• Dabbing a sponge causes stippling in the wax surface.

• Wax on canvas with encaustic gesso to seal and create a compatible ground.

• Using board or paper as a ground for wax.

Looking at Japanese painting for inspiration (mainly for colour)

Changes and more experiments.

Frame options and double circular edges and frame.

I asked Google - What is one small circle inside another that is off-centre called?

Dictionary.com says; Eccentric

adjective

1. deviating from the recognized or customary character, practice, etc.; irregular; erratic; peculiar; odd: eccentric conduct; an eccentric person.

2. Geometry. not having the same centre; not concentric: used especially of two circles or spheres, at least one of which contains the centres of both.

noun

1. a person who has an unusual, peculiar, or odd personality, set of beliefs, or behaviour pattern.

2. something that is unusual, peculiar, or odd.

Eccentric it is, then! I am unsure again whether this piece is finished, I will therefore reflect and return. Sitting with pieces for a while is good practice for me. There is no rush. Letting the work breathe and sit enables me to contemplate and return to them.

More images of 'Eccentric'.

What have I learnt?

I've learned that inspiration can come in many forms. In my recent work, I've been inspired by Illana Savdie's use of 'zones.' However, I've been struggling to achieve the desired pitted texture on the wax surface. I plan to do more research to learn how to master this technique. Additionally, when thinking about the edges and presentation of my artwork, I've been influenced by Piet Mondrian and how he plays with the steps on the canvas when viewed from the side.

Close Up Instagram crops of Illana Savdie's paintings.

Piet Mondrian Edge (lateral) view

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