In the last month, I have become increasingly busy; alongside my part-time MA, I’ve started working within a local school. It has been challenging, however I am thoroughly enjoying my time here, and may be something I go on to do in the future (alongside painting, of course!). This busier life-style has been hugely beneficial for the development of my artwork. Influences for artwork have never been so abundant! As new ideas prop up, I am quickly sketching and making notes, before I am inspired by another! All these ideas have meant that I have been working on multiple canvases at a time, meaning I have many unfinished paintings scattered around the studio. However, I am not opposed to this way of working. I find that I am able to apply what I have learnt with more recent paintings, to work that I had started previously.
Working within this school has been a really great experience. I have, after introducing myself to students, often been asked why I have relocated here from Aberystwyth. Many of them communicated their aversion to the area, which is by no means a privileged one. Apart from the fact I have family close by (although there is never a day I don’t miss my seafront walks in Aberystwyth), this location is graced with an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: Cannock Chase AONB (area of countryside that has been designated for conservation, due to its significant landscape value). To have this right on our doorstep is so special, and was the main influence for us to move here. I have become increasingly aware that inspiration, not just for art, can be found anywhere- if you look for it. Thinking in this way has enabled me to be influenced by the not so idyllic landscapes. I am finding myself increasingly intrigued by the more everyday views, and the relationship between the urban and rural, within these settings.
If you’re from Wales…why did you come to Cannock?!
-Pupil at Cannock Chase High School
Below is one of my works in progress, the view of the lower school, at Cannock Chase High. Every day I walk down this path, I am repeatedly caught off-guard by its resemblance to the Welsh landscape. I am reminded of the view from the Hugh Owen Library at Aberystwyth (which I spent many hours admiring, instead of writing essays!). Unlike Aberystwyth’s hillside, this one does not conceal an ocean behind it. I find the view, which is obstructed by an unappealing, concrete structure, to be incredibly comforting. Even though the natural landscape I admire so fondly, has been interrupted in this way, I did not feel the need to edit out the obstruction. This comfort, I feel was heightened by the fact I could still be inspired by something I didn’t have to travel specifically for, in order for the creation of artwork.
Inspiration does not have to be miles away, or even in typical places, such as areas of outstanding natural beauty (although I will make use Cannock Chase being so close!).
Adalia Mynett 