July 2024
Cyanotypes in Limousin
I have created cyanotypes for the current exhibition, Dorisarty in the Cafe, which is in the Community Centre, Leigh-On-Sea. These cyanotypes take inspiration from my recent stay in France – each lovingly created with my sister whilst there. We both made cyanotypes on an inclement weather day! Interestingly the conditions brought a ghostly element to the unique prints. I used different mediums to enhance this and make memories of my time – communicating what I cannot with words. The monochromatic deep blues are an exciting reward of the process.
In June 2024, I travelled to the majestic, Limousin, in France, to visit my sister, Helen Burgoyne and her partner Julian Foster – both established artists living in the region. In addition to showing their art, exhibiting it all over Limousin, they are the creators and the curators of the yearly event, L’art au lavior, a community street art event/exhibition/open call to the world, for postcards and mail art, with this year’s theme being ‘Air.’ This special open-air exhibition encourages inclusive participation and environmental awareness. During my stay I created four postcards for this. My cards incorporated an origami butterfly theme – something I intend to bring to a community art project this summer. I recommend you check out lartaulavior on Instagram and take part next year. It is set in a picturesque historical lavior (washhouse), in the rustically beautiful rural town of Dun-Le-Palestel. My sister Helen Burgoyne’s Instagram: ouimec7 and you can find Julian Foster on Instagram: fiercehamcutnpaste.
Limousin is breathtakingly beautiful! The region has attracted and inspired many Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Artists, they gathered there to paint the Romantic and awesome landscapes, including Claude Monet, and other Artists of the Crozant School. Contemporary artists migrate there, like the artist Tracey Pica Pica. I recommend you check her out, her Instagram: traceypicapicastuff. While in France I embellished a ‘lost sock’ for her installation, ‘the matrimonial agency of abandoned socks’.
Limousin has one of the lowest average population densities in France. Though, if this data included non-human species the statistics may read exceedingly different. With agriculture and wilds, where animals are highly visible, especially cows, and lakes and mountains packed with species unnoticed, its buzzing with life! My mind is often – subconsciously thinking – how humans have varying relationships with non-human species, in some of my cyanotypes I try to start a conversation about this.
Dorisarty in the Cafe is on until 3rd August 2024 in Leigh-On-Sea Community Centre. Artworks by Anne Pettenuzzo and Peter Ruddock are also on show in this exhibition. You can find out about their creations – Anne on Instagram: pettenuzzoanne, and Peter on Instagram: bernirpete.
30th July 2024.