ARTISTIC INSPIRATION THANKS TO PICASSO

I popped into check out the new Picasso exhibition at the Royal Academy in Piccadilly London this week. I have to admit I’ve never really ‘felt’ Picasso’s work in the past, but after seeing this show, I have to admit I share more similarities with this artist than I realised. I am a complete paper hoarder, and love to use all kinds of paper from things I’ve recycled from my bin, to wrapping paper, and copies of archive newspapers in my work. Similar to Picasso I often use a myriad of these to try and extend the boundaries of my work, such as introducing interesting textures, layers that carry extra meaning, as well as the different weights it can bring to an otherwise boring 2d work. The exhibition highlighted the differences between ‘collage’ form (an assemblage of different materials) and ‘papiers colles’ (cut-and-paste papers).

I also had not appreciated what a prolific printmaker he was (aided by Delâtre, Roger Lacourière and Fernand Mourlot). The unique processes that he developed including the ‘sugar-lift aquatint’ ( involving the use of a sugary solution) to create tonal, painterly effects is something I could really identify with.

I left feeling that my thirst for trying new processes, techniques and materials is a behavioural pattern that I have in common with Picasso. I am going to try and embrace this more in my future work.

Extra credit must be given to Cecile Degos who designed the exhibition.