Come along to the opening evening of my solo exhibition 'Daydreaming' at the beautiful Phoenix Centre in the Newton Dee Village. This is a free event and there will be refreshments to enjoy. I hope you can come along, say hello and see my most recent mixed media paintings inspired by local gardens. Here is some insight into what has inspired my work and this exhibition:
Daydreaming by Katie Hammond
When I studied at Gray’s School of Art, I discovered the joy in looking closely at nature. There is endless magic to be found if you take the time to notice it. I took inspiration from nature authors such as Robert Macfarlane, Nan Shepherd and Ellen Meloy. Their words are incredibly moving and they describe the feeling of nature so beautifully. I found a freedom in realising that I could experiment with unusual combinations of materials and processes, intuitively building up colour and texture.
I graduated in 2017, and although my work has evolved a lot since then, I still reach for the same calming blues and greens. The gorgeous words of the authors that first ignited my curiosity still resonate with me. I also still work with many layers of different materials, using what feels right, in that moment.
I live life at a slower pace, with chronic illnesses. When I slowly move through the beautiful gardens and woodlands that we are so lucky to have nearby, I find myself daydreaming. I switch off from everything else. Taking it all in. Noticing the fleeting moments that are so easily missed.
When I am in my own little world in the studio with my music on, I am also daydreaming. My work goes through a very slow process. I let watercolours flow and pool on the surface, I melt vibrant encaustic wax blocks with a little iron and play with colour that swirls and dances across the surface. After that, I carve depth into the surface - a very satisfying part of the process. I also add paint with a combination of oils, pigments and resins, gradually adding in the teeny tiny details.
Working in this way is incredibly therapeutic. I hope my work encourages you to slow down. To enjoy the peace that I feel when I am painting and when I am surrounded by nature.
