Tom
Cartmill exhibition
Blue Door Studio • The Old Fire Station • The Street • Mortimer
• Reading • RG7 3PB •
Sunday 9th May-Sunday 13th June 2004
Opening Hours: Saturday, Sunday & Wednesday : 10am - 4pm/6pm-8pm,
Other days by appointment
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Tom's
abstract paintings are multi-textured and multi-layered. Initially
built up with numerous layers, layer after layer of paint is then
applied.
He
uses a combination of acrylic and oil paints, contrasting their
varying properties. Part of this practice involves making some of
his own paints, where he is able to have complete control over the
finished result.
Tom
paints in series, almost obsessively working through and developing
ideas from one painting to the next until he is satisfied that he
has thoroughly mined a vein of ideas and that it is time to take
a new direction.
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| Tom
at the studio in Mortimer |
There
are about 35 paintings in the exhibition which form part of two
distinct series, 'The Strata Series' followed by the later 'Fissure
Series' (which evolved out of the progressive development of the
former series).
Geology
and the physical processes of layering and change through time,
are recurring themes in Tom's work.
The
word 'Strata' relates to the actual layering of different coats
of paint, integral to the way he works, and also to the accretion
of moments and experience through one's life.
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| Strata
V |
Tom
is fascinated by the way buildings, objects, faces and bodies, for
example, weather.
These
actions of 'wear and tear', give things a resonance that 'the new'
lacks. The
paintings evolve slowly, layer upon layer.
These
traces and suggestions of former layers are evidence of events from
an earlier time in a painting's past and of the progression towards
its resolution.
A sense
of place is also integral to Tom's work. Recently returned from
living in Southern Spain, his time out there has greatly influenced
his painting in terms of colour and theme.
While
in Andalucia, he became interested in Moorish architecture, design
and geometry and that influence is evident in his canvases.
In
conjunction with the exhibition, Tom is holding a workshop at St.
Mary's Mortimer, Junior School and giving a series of talks about
his work to the children, at his studio.
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