I fell in love with Mark Bradford’s artwork when I saw an image of this painting:
Working in both paint and collage, Bradford’s abstractions incorporate many layers, using elements from daily life such as posters, scraps of paper, and even the squares of paper used to dye hair in hair salons (Bradford’s Mum was a hairdresser).
In ‘White Painting,’ Bradford uses no paint, just many layers of paper and then an industrial sander to scratch and sand through the layers ending up with a surface which replicates the effect of paint.
Seeing Bradford’s work for the first time for real at the Venice Biennale 2017 was a dream come true. The complexity of the surface creates the most beautiful patterns which often belie the complex subject matter, in particular his concern for marginalised people.
Studying Bradford’s work over the years, led me to a new direction in my own painting. Some of this influence may be seen in my largest piece to date, ‘Not black and white’.
Back home after my travels, I was selected to take part in The Other Art Fair Bristol, a fantastic experience where I sold work, and also met lots of great artists and collectors.
Coming up:
I’m excited to be heading down to St Ives to take part in an abstract painting course led by the brilliant artist Liz Hough.
I’m also taking part in the Contemporary Art Fair – Discover Gather Give at Stratford-upon-Avon Town Hall. If you’re in the area on 4-5 November, please drop by and say hello.
Till next time.
Jess.