Sunday, 12 January 2014

Mysterious Wisdom

" These little framed boxes, like theatrical sets, their cardboard cut-out horizons thrown high by the footlights, their moons hanging like lanterns amid foliage unruffled by winds, present a hermetic realm that feels at once far removed from reality, and yet, at the same time, full of fresh relevance"

Mysterious Wisdom, Rachel Campbell-Johnston

I just finished reading a bio on the English Artist Samuel Palmer (27 January 1805 – 24 May 1881) . It's a great account of his life and struggles, his connection to nature and the ethereal,  of England as it entered into the industrial age, and his friendship with William Blake..
I came across his work when a neighbour back at home saw my pen and ink drawings and said they reminded her of Palmer, she also recommended I try etching...so thank you Judith.

I recently visited the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford with my good friend Natalie to view their Samuel Palmer collection. I held in my hands with white gloves on these two paintings amongst others, and I can't tell you enough how moving it was, I almost cried! They are full of life and emotion. I also want to say thank you to the lady who works in the Print Room for her assistance.