At the East Sussex Open, Towner Gallery, Eastbourne

Pictures of the Private View of the East Sussex Open at the gorgeous Towner Gallery. Lovely to be part of this show. It is open until September.

Posing with my painting 'Steam'

Teaism - the way of tea

Tribalism has been defined in engaged theory as a ‘way of being’ based upon kinship, place and communication . My body of work entitled ‘Tea Ceremony’ is an ongoing investigation into various cultural traditions of tea drinking and ritual that draws upon the simplicity of the teacup as a symbol of comfort, conviviality and contemplation. The Tao says that ‘tea is a way of being’. ‘Teaism’ or the ‘way of tea’ is a term to describe the tea ceremony that incorporates a set of rituals, which are practised to cultivate harmony with nature, and to help balance the heart and mind. Teaism teaches restraint and simplicity, and finds beauty in the ordinary.

Kukicha - acrylic on canvas

Tea has been consumed in Britain since colonial times. From China, via the Silk Road, to India, Africa and beyond, each culture, region or clan has its own variation of tea and tea ritual. Growing up in England, a nation of tea drinkers, I have enjoyed cream teas, tea parties and tea-breaks. I have found comfort, friendship and curiosity in all manner of teas, from the conventional ‘builders’ teabag to first-flush Darjeeling, and fair-trade green to multifarious herbal infusions. Travelling, I have enjoyed sweet masala chai on Indian trains and sage-infused Bedouin tea around a campfire in Sinai. Through yoga and meditation I have developed an interest in the more formal tea ceremonies rooted in the Chan and Zen traditions of China and Japan.  

Bedouin Tea

Chinese Tea

Much of my work is about finding tranquility or harmony in ordinary things. I approach the making of work in two distinct ways. Both originate with an idea I wish to convey, and the ‘letting go’ of that idea and simply painting.

Sunday Morning

I allow myself to play with the paint, being spontaneous with colour and movement. These paintings often result in many layers as I work over them, tidying up to create the right effect without losing the dynamic energy.

Matcha

At other times, I respect the power of the simplest mark, inspired by my study of Zen calligraphy. These paintings may appear to have been thrown together in minutes but there is often a whole stack of rehearsed pieces left behind.

Eventually I arrive at a place where the qualities I am searching for – rhythm, form, colour, harmony – are held in a delicate balance, allowing the overall result to appear effortless.  I draw inspiration from the philosophy of tea ceremonies to express these ideas in my work.

Gunpowder

East Sussex Open at Towner Gallery, Eastbourne
4 July - 14 September

'Steam' - ready for the Towner Gallery.

I am very pleased to have a painting selected to enter the East Sussex Open this year. This is my first success with open competitions. Now all I have to do is get the work there and wait for the opening next week.

Steam, oil on canvas 100x100cm. Michelle COBBIN

The work 'Steam' is an exploration of energy and stillness in the cycle of a breath.  The invisible fullness and emptiness of breathing is represented by painting the background white so that the canvas is loaded with paint to give the impression of steam – making visual the empty space.

This abstract image of the breath resembles a steaming pan – the inhalation is contained in a pan shaped rib cage, the exhalation is expressed in an arc resembling a pan handle.

This work is from an ongoing series investigating movement and stillness, through examining the breath, and also links to another series that investigates vessels concerned with tea-drinking – teapots, cups and pans.

Studio Refit

Studio Refit

At last, my studio is finished and I can get back to work. Just in time for the longer days and the warmth of the sun to come streaming through.  I now have a proper work space, storage and a painting wall. Thanks to Elaine for her clever design of the space, and to Peter for his help in putting the whole thing together.

work bench & shelves

work bench

storage

painting trolley

bookshelf & planchest

'Don't Forget To Breathe' Launch Party

The Foundry Gallery, North Street, Lewes  Artemis-Arts
Show continues until 8 September 2013.

Finally after months of planning and making work, the show is up and open.  We had a lovely welcome opening by the Mayor of Lewes, Ruth O'Keeffe, and a wonderful opening speech by Art Historian Marcia Pointon.  The event was really well attended, and we have received some wonderful comments. I especially like the one that says 'It's the Tate Modern in Lewes'  - thank you to everyone who made it along. The show continues until 8 September.
 

Marcia, Michelle, Jenny & Carol

viewing the films

The Visual Culturists

Expansion

The expansion I feel during the hot weather, as the warmth relaxes my muscles and soothes my bones is both soothing and invigorating. Working on a large scale feels wonderful, to reach and stretch and to work on the ground outside. May this glorious summer go on and on...

Puglia Love

Over mid summer I spent some time in Puglia, Italy. It has since become one of my favourite places, so much did I love it there, I'm now learning Italian and taking inspiration from my photographs and memories to create a new series of paintings for my next exhibition later this month.

The exhibition is called 'Don't Forget To Breathe'. It is a joint show with Emily Ball and Jenny Shaw at The Foundry Gallery, Lewes. It is on during Artwave in Lewes - 24 Aug - 8 Sept.  My paintings are large scale and vibrant, reflecting the warmth of Italy, the vibrant richness of the earth and abundance of such wonderful architecture and food.

Trullo Noce

Masseria della Zinghara

The ground, Lecce

Old doors near Martina Franca