Newsletter #9 / Artist-in-residence at Dumfries House and on to September
Royal Drawing School, Artists-in-residence, diary excerpts, drawing, painting, printmaking, walks, rural life, other news, Tim Hyman Respects
I returned to London last week, from Dumfries House in Scotland where I was an artist-in-residence during August along with 3 other artists, generously awarded by the Royal Drawing School.
August re-set
After a busy summer of parks, open studios, celebrations and rejections, friends and family, the residency in rural Scotland made deep work happen deftly, which has left me feeling inspired and clear.
The peace and quiet of the woods is invaluable. I look forward to expanding the ideas which took root during some of my long walks, studio shifts and our outdoor drawing sessions at Dumfries House.
Artists-in-residence
There are 4 beautifully built studios in the old laundry building of the estate. Each of us had a studio to ourselves, with the print room right next door and our flat a short walk away, sitting atop an old coach house-turned-cafe.
The first couple of days were spent stretching out, settling in and exploring lots. I refrained from making very firm timetables as I wanted the place and slow time to inform my work. I did, however, naturally wake up earlier than my usual (5am!) to max it out!
My days flowed and I feel I achieved a good balance between drawing and painting in the studio, drawing outdoors at different times of day, walking, printmaking, chilling, engaging with my fellow-artists, talking to locals and just being.
I didn’t forget to feel so very thankful everyday, as this opportunity to be amongst other artists, making work and getting away from everything else came at a time when my mind was starting to trick me into believing in not-good-enough-ery and general art-world dread.
In the print room, I revisited my love for monotypes and made prints based on my drawings at the estate, film characters and past work.
On one of our last evenings there, we self-organised a group crit + studio visit, fuelled by humour, wine and food! A perfect finish to our two weeks, leaving me with lovely new friends, questions and visual references.
Other news
Earlier last month a set of my prints made it to the Director’s Cut at the online edition of Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair. It is still live and can be seen here.
Next week, I’ll be starting the Turps Off Site programme. Excited to meet this year’s cohort and looking forward to lots of engaging conversations.
Postscript
I meant to share this newsletter on Sunday evening, but then I learnt of the passing of a brilliant Artist, Teacher and friend, Timothy Hyman RA. Somehow it didn’t feel right to me to send out comms without mentioning the impact Tim has had on the world around him.
All my respects
Tim and I met recently, 2 years ago at his show in Fitzrovia. We had the chance to have a conversation about his drawings, which I have admired for a long time.
We kept in touch and I learnt that he was still very connected to India and artists from South Asia, and he shared so many anecdotes of his times and friendships there, among stories and references from other parts of his world.
Not too long ago, I was lucky to spend a morning with him drawing and chatting about life, grief, joy and art. We exchanged notes on the relevance of ‘place’ in our practices and the role of drawing in work.
Conversations about his time in Baroda, early years with Judith in Soho, Sienese painting, Bhupen Khakhar and art education followed. He reminded me to take up space as an Artist. He taught me to embrace the artist’s void, to always keep exploring and recording.
"Not a day without a line" - Tim Hyman
Tim was a powerful artist and thinker, a sensitive, thoughtful listener and a true champion of the outsider, as felt by most who knew him.
The memory of watching his dedication and ease towards his work, while we were drawing on Myddelton Square on a cold, blustery morning shall stay with me, as will the large set of references he shared. In this very brief time of knowing him, he has had a valuable impact on the way I look at making paintings.
Farewell Tim, wishing you love and peace in the worlds beyond, and that you have reunited with your beloved Judith.