Zen Brushwork Workshops

Posted on October 14, 2020 by Andie Clay

Detail of Dai ji zai

Mu Ichi Butsu

I have recently attended two Zen Brushwork workshops which are only allowed to happen online due to current restrictions.

The first workshop was beamed into my studio from Kyoto, Japan and was led by Sarah sensei and Inoue sensei. The whole experience was new to me, involving strict disciplines of Zazen (sitting meditation), Yoki-Ho (30 minute warm up exercise), Kusho (writing in the air) followed by painting the Kanji (Japanese characters) with Japanese ink and brush. The Kanji we painted was Dai ji zai, translated variously as ‘complete freedom’, ‘great freedom’ or ‘great unhinderedness’.

The second workshop was led by Jos Hadfield, working from Cornwall, again on Zoom. The Kanji we painted was Mu Ichi Butsu, which translates as ‘Owning no-thing’.

I really enjoyed the gestural mark making but fully appreciate I have a long way to go with this discipline which also feeds back into my study of Tai Ji and my painting.

Latest news from my studio…

Posted on October 14, 2020 by Andie Clay

I have recently started a new body of work based on ideas and experiences that have been rattling around on the back burner of my brain for a while now.

This ongoing series are currently grouped under the heading Fires in the Mind, and make reference to the source of inspiration of Dave’s installation of the same name.

These autobiographic paintings are attempts to portray the struggles and internal dialogues I am currently going through whilst still receiving counselling to help me come to terms with the traumatic event of Dave’s death that changed absolutely everything in my life.

‘Rabbit Holes’ seeks to express the crazy internal unfocussed state of mind that I found myself enter, heightened over recent months by the solitude of lockdown restrictions.

‘Fires in the Mind – Rabbit Holes’

An easing of lockdown restrictions over this summer has highlighted to me the need to find the courage to become more earthed and focussed as the world too begins to feel its way through this pandemic that has changed everything in everyone’s lives forever.

‘Towards Awareness’ expresses the beginning signs of movement towards focus and a more frequent feeling of calm. Still sensing the omnipresent hair trigger of grief that kicks my feet from under me, the slow process of regaining my centre and grounding myself has begun.

‘Fires in the Mind – Towards Awareness’

Taking Part in the Sketchbook Project Volume 17

Posted on October 13, 2020 by Andie Clay

Polish_20201013_131621525

Excited to have received my sketchbook from Brooklyn Art Library yesterday. Looking forward to enjoying filling it in. Lots of ideas in my head but see where my pencil takes me…

Just to explain the background, Brooklyn Art Library is a non profit art organisation that has been completely funded by participation since 2006. The Brooklyn Art Library crew say

“By buying a sketchbook, you have helped us ensure that we are keeping our physical library space free and open to the public as well as our digital library accessible world wide. Your book will be joining our collection of 50,000 artists books from 130 different countries. This project is meant to encourage creative storytelling, within a global community.”

https://brooklynartlibrary.org/

Remembering Past Successes

Posted on September 23, 2020 by Andie Clay

2011: SWA The 150th Annual Open Exhibition at the Mall Galleries London

In 2011 I was thrilled to receive the St Cuthberts Mill Award from Princess Michael of Kent. This was before I was elected to full membership of The Society of Women Artists in 2012.

In 2015 my painting ‘Blues Saxophonist’ won the Frank Herring Easel Award.

2014: SWA The 153rd Annual Open Exhibition at the Mall Galleries London. Princess Michael of Kent and then Director Sue Jell

Background to ‘Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain’

Posted on June 15, 2020 by Andie Clay

Embrace Tiger Base Imaage 030215

This film was shot on location at Rhosygilwyn mansion. The following quotations are taken from the DVD cover, further information about Glenn and Sean is below.

“Taiji is so much more than the physical form-the energy, chi, flows through and beyond the body filling the space around. Andie’s work reflects the ebb and flow of that energy in a way that no other medium can, giving a sense of that continuous stream of universal energy that we can all immerse ourselves in.” Sean Dowdall

“What interested me here was the contrast between Andie’s rapid energy and the measured concentration of Sean’s slow movements. The situation crackled with creative intensity-which even a sudden downpour failed to dampen. Indeed, Andie incorporated this chance intervention into the work.” Glenn Ibbitson

“The quiet energy of Sean’s Taiji, together with breathtaking vision by Glenn resulted in a Zen-like experience that was far beyond my wildest expectations. Thank you both.” Andie Clay

Further details about Sean and Glenn below.

Tai Chi, Sean Dowdall. http://www.dragontherapies.co.uk/

Glenn Ibbitson:

Painter and Film-maker. Worked as a scenic and storyboard artist with BBC before turning freelance to work in film and theatre. Moved to West Wales to develop his own painting and film projects. “Tatsuko” [2012: silent; B/W] has been shown in London and Tokyo. “A hauntingly beautiful, dramatically gripping yet enigmatic film ..the shots breathe the artistry of Antonioni, while the enigmatic yet intense story echoes Tarkovsky.” -Gillian McIver-Tanbouli: co-director Studio 75 London

www.smokingbrushfineart.com

‘Birth/Rebirth’ Exhibition at Boundary Art, Cardiff

Posted on February 27, 2017 by Andie Clay

Very pleased to have four paintings selected by Cate Cheng, gallery director, for the forthcoming exhibition ‘BIRTH/REBIRTH’ at Boundary Art in Cardiff Bay, a unique combined gallery and tea room. Exhibition runs from 25 March to 6 May 2017, gallery open Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 6pm. (Closed Monday and Tuesday.) www.boundaryart.com Photos will be posted as soon as available! The East/West philosophy of the gallery links in with my long term personal interest in Asian culture, and my study and practice of Tai Ji Quan and Qi Gong. Further Information about Boundary Art Cardiff’s newest art space, Boundary Art opened in 2015 and devotes itself to the fusion of communication and promotion between Western and Chinese cultures. The gallery is fast developing a reputation for dynamic and distinctive programming to support artists from across the visual spectrum and from across Wales and beyond. Visitors have the unique opportunity to browse original art works and to relax in their Chinese tea room.

The core ideology of Boundary Art has always been about the communication and trans-boundary of the arts, culture and thoughts. The gallery offers an international platform for artists, curators and writers and welcomes all audiences, aiming to encourage everyone to engage with art, prompting questions and supporting debate.

‘Spring Collection’ exhibition at Art Matters Gallery, Tenby

Posted on February 4, 2017 by Andie Clay

Just delivered 4 paintings to John and Margaret in sunny Tenby for the first show after their winter break. Always good to feel Spring is on its way! Exhibition runs from February 11th to 28th March. The gallery winter opening hours are 10am to 5pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. (Gallery closed on Sunday and Wednesday.) Further information including images of the entire exhibition are on the website https://artmatters.org.uk/

Chrysalis

Musician paintings selected for London SWA exhibition

Posted on April 28, 2015 by Andie Clay

test flyer copy

Have just heard that three paintings from my musician series have been selected and will be on exhibition at the Mall Galleries in June. ‘After Silence 3′ (above right) comes from my music conductor series.

The 154th Annual exhibition of the Society of Women Artists runs from 5 to 13 June and will be open 10am to 5pm daily, closing at 3pm on the 13th. Do get in touch if you would like an invitation to the Private View.

Paintings on their way to London for SWA Annual Exhibition

Posted on April 2, 2015 by Andie Clay

AfterSilence4 copy Art Moves of Chelsea collected four of my musician paintings from outside the RWA in Bristol recently. They will deliver these to the Mall Galleries on the 25th of April for selection for the 154th Annual Exhibition which runs from the 5 – 13 June 2015. This painting is from my series of music conductors.

www.society-women-artists.org.uk

Interesting blog!

Posted on January 17, 2015 by Andie Clay

Vibration copy

Came across this blog recently. Flattered that she likes my work, and that she thinks they are painted by a male artist!

“These are some pictures from his sound and vibration gallery and his earth and water gallery. I absolutely admire this work as each stroke works perfectly combine with big bold strokes to small lines, curved or straight or sharp, and in each picture, each of these strokes works so well with the colours that it automatically hits you with emotions. Not only does he do this, but he also draws out basic lines which can be seen as figures or objects or nature and gets your mind exploring the image more creatively.”

http://hannahlbullock.blogspot.co.uk/2015_01_01_archive.html