Elizabeth Parker - Poet

I’m gonna use this blog to talk about the things I love including the talented people that I know and love and Lizzie is my first friend I’m going to recommend that you check out. She is one talented lady.

Elizabeth Parker grew up in The Forest of Dean and now lives and creates her beautiful poetry in Bristol with her photographer partner Chris and their young son Jack.

She was shortlisted for The Bridport Prize and Eyewear Publishing’s Melita Hume Prize, which resulted in Eyewear publishing her debut pamphlet ‘Antinopolis’. She is a member of the poetry group The Spoke, who put on great poetry events in the city - worth a visit.
She has been Highly Commended in the Gregory O’Donoghue International Poetry Competition and was a prizewinner in the 2016 Troubadour Poetry Competition. Her work has featured in many publication and her first poetry collection ‘In Her Shambles’ was published by Seren in April 2018.

Her book can be purchased here.

Cover art by Maria Rivens

Lizzie’s poetry is beautifully written and definitely worth a read. I think people feel intimidated to pick up poetry, for me Lizzie has made me want to read more and potentially write some of my own, especially to compliment my own artistic practice.

We are hoping to collaborate together on some projects this year, so watch this space.

Albert Irvin and Abstract Expressionism

Currently at the RWA in Bristol (which is an incredible asset to the city and should be visited regularly) is a wonderful abstract exhibition. As a younger artist I dismissed abstract art as simplistic and lazy but I have a new love for the art form and I understand the emotional connection to the work. Through visiting exhibitions such as the this recently, it has ignited something in me to pursue some of these techniques in my own work.

Albert Irvin OBE RA RWA Hon (1922-2015) was one of Britain’s most important post-war painters and printmakers. He is best known for his large-scale abstract colourist paintings - some of the most distinctive to have ever been produced in this country.

The colours were so vibrant and exciting. I was impressed how the paint and mark making was so clear and no a purple brown mush on the canvas. The size of the pieces was also impressive. As well as Irvin’s work there is a group exhibition including great names in this genre including Pollock and De Kooning. Why wouldn’t you take advantage to seeing a Jackson Pollock in your city.

The exhibition runs until 3rd March and there is an entry fee of £8 per adult.

Eric Haacht at That Art Gallery

That Art Gallery is a small but excellence contemporary art space located on the Christmas Steps in central Bristol. This area of the city is becoming a little gem art destination filled with interesting bars and independent artisans doing a mixture of things which makes it worth a visit.

The show at That Art Gallery is currently Eric Haacht with his alluring abstract portraiture. ‘17 paintings’ is intriguing and colourful. I felt the pieces were expressive and very emotional. That despite the lack of features each one was telling a different story. here are my 2 favourites from the exhibition.

‘17 Paintings’ runs until 2nd March. Check it out.

G x

New Chapter....

For the longest time I have been stressed and felt the general strain of life, not only with my mental health but also my physical well being. I have been dealing with chronic pain for half of my life due to a serious RTA and although I try to be positive and wear my scars proudly, I am run down, sick, depressed and loosing my motivation. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for everyday I've had since 11th February 2001  - I was given a second chance. I got to go to university, I worked hard, met my husband, fell in love and I now paint pictures for a living, I'm lucky. I have great friends and an amazingly supportive family, so why has everything become so hard to manage?

Since mid July this summer, I took time out. It wasn't really my decision, I'd pushed too hard since the start of the year, ignored advice, dismissed the aches and pains in my body because I wanted to feel 'normal' and if I worked harder for longer then this year would be full of great things, but 6 months in I hit burn out. An already fused spine caused disks to bulge, nerve issues in my legs, arthritic joints seizing up, at only 35 I'm feeling more like 85. I can't seem to make it through the day with out a 2-3 hour nap and I'm struggling with everyday tasks, like putting my pants on! My productivity is beyond minimal when it comes to making new art. I've fumbled my way through the summer months, finishing a couple of projects that I had already committed to before my health took a turn. 7 weeks on I am making some progress, some days I'm better than others. I'm gently exercising (swimming and yoga) and I'm eating healthy, trying to be kind to myself, giving my body the best chance for the years to come. I've even redesigned my tired website to mark a new chapter of moving forward but I am afraid. I'm afraid to start to a new painting because of the fear it won't be any good. That I've lost the stamina and ability to be an artist. And I'm afraid that I won't be able to manage the pain in my body and that my physical health will deteriorate further. I have THE FEAR. I was even afraid to start this blog, to be honest with myself and anyone who ends up reading it. 

Since letting my followers and clients know via social media that I was taking some time out from my creative process due to ill health, I was surprised to be contacted by so many other people who have been suffering from chronic conditions too (fibromialgia, crohn's disease, colitis, endometriosis) Hidden conditions that aren't shared through the glamorised, curated posts of instagram. I felt not so alone by our shared stories and that's the reason I wanted to start this blog. Of course I will fill these 'posts' with art and inspiration but I felt it was important to fill them with honesty. Everything isn't always perfect and that's ok. 

Love G x