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I’m interested in the worn, stained & rusted patina of older cloth and random mark making. I bury textiles, tear up old clothing, antique & vintage cloth. I like to tell my story alongside the marks of other women and those long gone. If you would like to know how to rust textiles, paper etc.
Free rust dyeing tutorial here
October 24th, 2022
Sunday in the studio.
I mainly paint several artworks together.
Working this way allows me to be spontaneous and more free with the paint and marks.
I add many layers and glazes, drawing into the canvas with oil pigment sticks and sometimes add collage elements to give interest and depth.
All depends on what it is I’m trying to get out and express.
The first 2 rows of photos show each painting as it progresses through the different stages.
The last 2 rows show another series of thicker oil paintings using thicker paint and using oil sticks to draw with..
None of the artworks have been resolved yet
I still seem to come back to the rich gold, red and orange colours of the Australian landscape, I experienced, when trekking in outback, Northern Territory, in the late 1970s.
Still the colours haunt me unconsciously and seep into my work, to influence me.
In the studio. The beginnings of my first painting and series for 2020.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 5 … Made a few more changes to the painting today. Still a way to go.
A week later
Finished painting. Minimal flat, top surfaces, with many transparent underlays of colour, marks, drips and splashes. I don’t want the edges of the painting to be contained so, I’m not sure if I would frame this. Untitled for now. 90 x 90 x 2 cm. Acrylic paint on stretched canvas.
It’s amazing how many stages an abstract painting goes through. Ive had the beginnings of this painting sitting in the studio a few months now. Its only recently, I started to photograph the process of painting. Eventually I want to do time lapse video’s while working, but not sure yet, how I will set up my camera.
I wanted to dirty it up a bit
Added some black lines and spaces
The red slowly crept in
More drawing with oil pigments below and the circle was bothering me so I took a risk and blocked it out with red. And that’s what its all about. Taking risks, going along with whatever comes along and using your gut feeling.
I’m pretty happy with the results but will sit with it for a while, before I touch it or, leave it alone. It’s only afterwards, I’ll see connections and links to the context or meaning. Sometimes though this happens when doing, but mainly it’s a play with colour, line and space and knowing when it’s resolved.
Recently, I’ve been unable to focus fully on my work. I feel I may have too many things going on in my life and need to simplify. I’ve also been procrastinating too long, putting off a few decisions, I need to make, regarding my arts practice. I know, I just have to get on with it, if I only knew what “IT” was ? Also, its been hard lately having to divide my time, between creating and dealing with with other life circumstances that have been cropping up. I know as an artist, my main focus is to create, or nothing will get done, but more important, my inner- self will suffer.
In the meantime, my daughter and her partner (xox) , gifted me a trip to London to visit them. After not seeing her for a few years, it was so nice to catch up and do stuff together again. We managed to fit in some very interesting exhibitions. The Anni Albers (1899-1994) textile exhibition at Tate Modern, was excellent. She was student of the Bauhaus art school and like other women at that time , was discouraged from becoming a painter. Instead, she enrolled in the weaving shop and made textiles her means of expression. Albers rose to become an influential figure, exploring the technical limits of hand-weaving to pioneer innovative uses of woven fabric as art, architecture and design.
Other exhibitions on at the V&A Museum.
Fashioned from Nature, explores the complex relationship between fashion and nature from 1600 to the present day.
A Frida Kahlo exhibition of her belongings. There was also huge jewelry exhibition and video game exhibition on. The collections are immense. I particularly enjoyed Asian textiles & objects.
The “Censored! Stage, Screen Society at 50” exhibition was brilliant. Especially as I can remember most of it happening when I was a teenager.
It took a bit of getting around the V&A building, as its built around a very large inner courtyard. The signage wasn’t brilliant and quite confusing. I only saw a small portion of the collections and if I get another chance Id like explore it some more.
Another exhibition, I particularly loved and related too, The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History.
A “Kunstkammer” of cabinets full of weird and wonderful curiosities. Extraordinary dioramas displayed in a dark underground cellar, reached only by going down a very steep, spiral stair case.
I also managed to do a brief bit of mudlarking on the Thames. I found a handful of bits & pieces. A handmade nail used to secure sails to the masts of sailing ships and a few shards of pottery and I think part of a Tudor terracotta tile.
I’m home in Australia now and slowly getting back into studio mode. Having spent time with my family and inspired by new adventurers, I’m feeling more nurtured to just get on with “IT” and not think too much.
3 New mixed- media collages on 300gsm watercolour paper (Unframed).
I like to create new visions, by recycling and dissecting vintage papers that I may, or not hand paint with acrylic paints and inks.
Process – On a background of strong 350gsm artist water- colour paper, I add layers of acrylic paints, fragments of vintage papers and random marks, using French ink pens.
Earth Renewable
Recycled Polyhedron
Recycled Symmetry
Line is a point moving in space. Playing with line fascinates to me. By letting go and just allowing the movement to take over, allows me to go in-between, out and off edges.
The materials I use vary. I may use paint, pencil or crayon on vintage book papers, thread on antique cloth, scratch with implements, or, use wire to make tangles. Lines often define the edges of a form, but not very often in my arts practice.
Lines can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, straight or curved, thick or thin.
Paint lines
Drip lines
Thread lines
Free flowing lines
Frottage lines
String lines
I’m not sure how I feel about showing artworks with mock -up backgrounds. So, recently I purchased a few mock – ups, and have been playing around with them. I’d like to display my artworks a little bit differently, being, there are, so many other artists online. I’m just wondering, if putting artworks with interesting backgrounds, makes any difference, for viewers, collectors etc. and, in getting it found in the search engines easier. I think they look cleaner, but at the same time, I don’t want to categorize my artwork as being, just “interior design” pieces. I’d love to hear what others think…
If you feel inclined, your welcome to add a comment at the bottom of this post.
Do you like to see artworks viewed in a room, or framed ? or do you prefer see artworks on their own, with no backgrounds?
You can also view some of my artworks in rooms in my gallery area
Thank you in advance!
New paintings available in my gallery. “Rustmatter” series. I want to capture the “beauty & hope” in decline, before its gone and continues my investigation into the disintegration and decay of the environment, of life and the human psyche.
Experiments with layers of rust, paint, iron shavings and salt. Finally, surfaces emerged, worn , weathered and sometimes ancient. I then sealed the paintings to keep stable and lock in the layers.
Each painting is a visual and textural descent into the abandoned, the derelict, the vacant and the forgotten. Curator & Arts Writer, Dr. Ewen Jarvis.
NOTE – All inclusive : Express Post, Tracking, Signature, Insurance & Packaging.
Currently available in my Gallery ,” Limited Edition” art prints
To purchase my Wallmatter series, please go to the Gallery page.
Each collection of 10 prints is $35.00 AU. and includes (Free Worldwide Postage)
You will receive
1 collection of 10 Wallmatter art prints/cards shown
Blank on back + 10 white paper envelopes
One of each design
6″ x 4″ – 15 x 10cm. ea.
Designed from my original abstract paintings
Printed professionally
100% Recycled paper stock
Sustainably sourced
Matt finish
A beautiful way to send a personal message to your friends and family or, frame for a unique art display in your home or workplace.
About Wallmatter series.”A visual and textural descent into the abandoned, the derelict, the vacant and the, forgotten surface.”Through her utilisation of forlorn industrial structures, stained and crumbling walls, acts of graffiti, redundant signage, and portals giving access to meandering subterranean systems,of timeworn surfaces. Jenny Davis evokes a unique vision at once spare and lavish, material and ghostly. It is a vision that elevates the significance of random marks, stress fractures and other imperfections, while enfolding the viewer in an atmosphere of chromatically gentle and strangely opulent decay.”
To purchase please go to my Gallery page and scroll down to “Small Art Prints”.
(Free Worldwide Postage)
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Jenny Davis
Spaces Below
10 April – 20 May 2018
Exhibition Launch: Friday 13 April 6.00 – 7.30 pm
For more information please contact
Dr Ewen Jarvis
Curator
Yering Station Art Gallery
38 Melba Highway
Yarra Glen Vic 3775
P + 61 3 9730 0100
M + 0400 894 646
One thing leads to another, everything is connected…
split second images flash by – embed
opening cracks
rough
rust
decay
rubble
dirt
paint
crumble
torn
scratchy
weathered
worn
unseen
forgotten
abandoned beauty…
The countdown is on… only 14 days until I install my exhibition, “Spaces Below” at Yering Station Gallery, which means, 14 days of bubble-wrap and gaffa tape tangles, labeling, organizing transport, invites, and the opening.
The artworks in the house are all ready to go and still lots more in the studio to wrap, but for now, I think its time to grab some lunch and veg out for awhile….
Jenny Davis
Spaces Below
11th – April – 20th May
Official Opening: Friday April 13th – 6.00 – 7.30 pm
Dear Friends
Jenny Davis would like to invite you to her new exhibition, “Spaces Below”
in the beautiful Yarra Valley, at the historical Yering Station at Yarra Glen in Victoria.
Exhibition runs – April 11th – May 20th
Address – Yering Station Art Gallery
38 Melba Highway Yarra Glen
Opening Times – Monday-Friday
10:00am – 5:00pm
Weekends & Public Holidays (including Anzac Long weekend)
10:00am – 6:00 pm
Commission from all sales will be donated to… L.A.R.C.H.
(Leukaemia Auxiliary Royal Children’s Hospital)
For more information please contact
Dr Ewen Jarvis
Curator
Yering Station Gallery
PO Box 390
Yarra Glen Vic 3775
P + 61 3 9730 0100
M + 0400 894 646
Yering Station is located at 38 Melba Hwy Yering 3770 Victoria, Australia. Directions.
Abstract art strips away the narrative, the real and expected visual story. It requires us to resolve a problem. We want to impose a rational explanation – or see something in abstract art so we feel comfortable. It makes our brains work harder and in a different way – at a subconscious level.
Maybe that’s why some people find abstract art more intimidating and are quick to dismiss it.
If you are interested in learning more about abstract art and how to create abstract paintings, I am in the process of creating my first online course. “Pure Abstract Painting”
This is something I have been wanting to do for many years and will let you know when my course is ready for enrollment.
A few abstract paintings I’ve been working on today. I love the continual changes when working this way.
A small glimpse of paintings in progress for my next exhibition, in April at Yering Station Gallery. I will be showing, new and older paintings and will include an installation of framed photographs, “Spaces Below”, shot in France. The gallery is large and raw with an industrial feel. A perfect space for larger abstracts. All commissions taken from my sold artworks at Yering Station Gallery will be donated to…
Ever wish you could buy that original piece of art but it was just too expensive and out of reach? I know I have.
Have you ever considered prints of your favourite originals?
Even if you can’t afford an original piece of art, purchasing prints can be more affordable and if the original artwork is sold, there may be prints available. It not only brings art into your home but, it also supports the artist community too.
I have recently been setting up my online print shop, where you can now purchase prints of my original artworks.
Please see my Gallery page or, click the headings below. There you can browse my selection of framed prints, canvas prints, art prints, acrylic block prints and metal prints.
ABOUT MY PRINTS
The source, for all my art prints, are created in my studio by hand, in (Australia) using my original artworks and photographs. Hand drawing, painting, photography and making collage, is all part of the creative process. Then, the prints are ethically produced by my digital printing partners in Melbourne, Australia, USA and London,England. My prints come in many sizes and prices, to suit your budget. All prints are created from the best, fine artist grade, papers, canvas and materials. Each print is clear and vibrant using specialists inks that will last. Your purchase is wrapped carefully then, packaged in sturdy custom- made boxes, so they make it safely to your door. Please see … Worldwide Delivery plus 100% Returns and Exchanges
I am still in the process of creating my online print shop and will gradually add more prints over time. Enjoy your browse!
Custom-made box or flat frame styles. High-quality timber frame finishes to suit your decor. Premium Perspex – clearer and lighter than glass. Exhibition quality box or flat frame styles.
Each custom artwork is hand stretched and printed for your order. Vibrant colors printed on artist grade canvas. Printed image wraps 0.25 inch (0.6 cm) over the edges; the sides are white. Hanging hardware is included.
Custom sized prints (with various border widths). Gallery quality vibrant colours.
Lightly textured 100% cotton paper.
Refer to size chart for dimensions if self framing.
Vibrant back mounted photographic prints 1″ (2.5 cm) thick. Solid free-standing acrylic block for desk, table top or shelves. Diamond cut sides provide a sharp image from any angle. Hand polished for a crystal clear finish.
Available in both High Gloss and Satin. Gently rounded corners. Cleanable surface. Lightweight aluminium is literally infused with the chosen artwork.
As a small child I pulled things apart. Even, before I could talk, I ripped apart dolls and toys. I used to make little displays, installations of the fragments and other discarded things. Today I still pull things apart. I find fragments more pleasing and sometimes, even more interesting than the original object.
Recently, I pulled apart an old chair that had been hanging around for years. The wood was still good. The cloth and leather had grit and rust, just perfect for sculpture. The rustic bits and pieces also related to some textile fragments, I unpicked from an 1800’s, quilt topper. I’m still working on outcomes and painting has crept in too. Below are some pics of the process.
