‘PALIMPSEST’
THE STORY
I found this old drawing when moving house and I didn’t know what to do with it. I didn’t like it enough to hang in on my wall, but I also didn’t want to put it in the attic and forget about it for another 8 years.
A rule I have about my artwork is that if I wouldn’t hang it on my own wall then it isn’t good enough to exhibit. As an artist you have to be your own toughest critic. It’s an important part of quality control.
I created the original drawing in 2016. It is of The Needle’s Eye, a pyramid folly in Wentworth Yorkshire.
When I stumbled across this old artwork I was in the process of decorating my flat and thinking about what artwork I’d like to have on my own walls. Although I typically create realistic architectural artwork, I really love abstract modern art.
At this time, summer 2024, I was also in a phase of experimenting. I was trying out oil painting, coloured pencils, and also using graphite in a more playful and abstract way.
My plan was to take this old drawing and turn it into something new!
I created this piece of shaded graphite paper in 2023 as an idea for framing an artwork. I didn't use it for framing the artwork in the end but I actually really liked the paper by itself. I love the unique texture and shine you get from graphite.
When I created this shaded piece of paper last year I liked the overall aesthetic of the graphite, BUT I felt it lacked a story.
What excites me about this artwork is that it will have a layered history. Starting in 2016 with this architectural drawing of a pyramid folly. And then 8 years later, cracking open the frame to rework it.
Right. Time for some self- improvement
(or potential self-sabotage)….
I wasn’t totally sure how I wanted it to look. All I knew is that I would prefer it as a solid drawn in shape. I tried sketching out a few ideas.
But thought the only way to work it out would be to just get going with it!
Here are some photos of it at different stages.
I didn’t plan to, but I got to a point with just the ogee arch left. At the same time as reworking this piece I was also working on a new series of drawings from India. I liked this architectural similarity of the curved arch with some of the buildings I saw when on an artist residency to India in early 2024.
During my deliberation about keeping the arch I decided to totally redraw the stonework of the arch as it wasn’t up to scratch… before then finally shading it all in.
I think some people have been really shocked as they thought the original drawing was good. BUT if I’m not proud of it then better to take control of my creative output and rework it. I think it’s interesting that it’s a recurring theme of artists to destroy their own artworks.
I like that this artwork has become a palimpsest - symbolising the passing of time.
Palimpsest (noun)
Something reused or altered but still bearing visible traces of its earlier form.
A manuscript or piece of writing material on which later writing has been superimposed on effaced earlier writing.
This original pencil drawing is for sale. For price enquiries please email me at info@mintysainsbury.com and I will get back you within 24hrs.