I was really delighted with my 2013 Decadence print series as it allowed me to experiment rapidly with colour. I have decided to revisit this project and create a series of 30 new art works for 2016, but this time I want to make the application of the wallpaper pattern unique. So no printing!
In my 2013 Decadence series I created 25 prints. Each of the prints had my wallpaper design screen printed over the top of the hand painted base layer, in either black or white. The whole series received an overwhelming response with the majority of the prints selling at my exhibition private view on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, London.
This time I want to create a series which is closer in process to my large scale works, where each part of the painting is completely unique. In order to achieve this individuality it means I have to avoid printing as this process creates a uniform and predictable finish on the surface.
Recently on my larger art works I have been developing a new technique using laser cut mylar stencils and varying viscosities of acrylic paints to create non uniform paint marks whilst still maintaining the structure of the wallpaper repeat. This technique should translate well onto the smaller sheets of paper as it leaves amazing details on the surface. I would even go as far as saying the output resembles the surface of a plastered wall after peeling off 50 - 100 year old wallpaper. Each time it's a delight to see what has happened to the surface in the drying process, as the paint colours can separate and move around beneath the mylar sheet.
The project is still in its infancy, but all 30 art works have now received there first layers of paint. Some even their second and third.
Below you can see some photos of me in my painting studio in Hackney Wick, East London.
The mylar stencils are cut 56cm wide by 76cm heigh to match the paper I have selected.
I mix the colours in squeezy bottles for accurate application and ease of mixing.
I check the alignment of the stencil to the fine art paper.
When everything is ready I apply the paint.
The paint takes several days to dry under the stencil. Once dried I stack the paper to flatten it.
