Since lockdown I challenged myself to make a new painting every day and have been posting them online as part of the #artistsupportpledge , a movement instigated by Matthew Burrows in order to alleviate the stress caused by loss of work as a result of COVID-19. Painting this new series of small works, which I’ve named ‘Light comes in’, has not only kept me sane but also reawakened my curiosity in experimentation- with less focus on outcome and really engaging with the process of mark making. I’ve revisited old paintings and allowed them to inform new ones, had my first foray into Alla Prima painting, discovered new marks and layers and worked with urgency and less barriers. All very freeing. Someone once described my work as ‘hope-filled desolation’ I was a bit bemused at the time but now it feels quite apt! I have thoroughly enjoyed creating and sharing this series of paintings and and hope to continue working on them after lockdown is over, alongside my regular studio practice.
You can see the paintings on my Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/tessa.houghton/
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