A ploughed field. Is there a better symbol to suggest a fresh start? I happen to have had a summer of dignity dissolving art related experiences so I for one welcome a return to the humble world of personal pictorial symbolism, seasonal subjects and the new seeds of the Dignity Scholarship. The timing is indeed perfect as my latest reverse landed in my inbox just three days ago: refused the working grant award1 for the third year running. Disappointing though this is I do not fret as the Dignity Scholarship has provided a great boost not only to my confidence as a painter and poet but because of the political dimension you wish to attach to the process of Doing. Added impetus indeed! Not since my residency with the Torpoint Art Service2 have I been so keen to dive back into the icy pool of critical practice. 

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Where to begin? Perhaps a bit of housekeeping. Firstly, it is not my wish to unburden myself to you with the comprehensive account of my efforts over the past three years in my first communique but suffice to say, I do indeed have much to tell about painting in Sweden and particularly in Bergby. Having said that I want to emphasise that while our focus is rightly on Doing we must insure we still have time for the Done and in that spirit I ask whether I might pepper my correspondence with some of the more poignant encounters and ideas from the past three years. Also, materials. I will run short before Christmas, that much is certain and there is a good chance that I will not have the funds for more so I beg of you any assistance in this regard either financially or perhaps you can appeal to the colour merchants of Stockholm for some samples3. The Torpoint Art Service successfully obtained a good deal of high end oil from a capital source in London4. In terms of my plans for the scholarship I intend to embrace the 'cubbyhole' notion and work only within walking distance of my house. I accept that the residency is partnered with Kommune Norrtälje and some Norrtälje based Doing may be required but perhaps we can put that off for a season in order to dig us a good foundation? Will it suffice to submit to some of the Kommune Norrtälje participation projects?5

 

So to today's Doing. A subject symbolic of a new beginning was the order and seeing as autumn is upon us the ploughed field was apt. Regeneration in nature was after all one of Van Gogh's most persistent symbols of hope throughout his life, hope perhaps that lifes hardships will let up or is it consolation in the cycle of life itself, in any event the symbolism of the ploughed field certainly suits our new venture. Currently the only ploughed field in the area is in Norrby so I off I went. About a twenty minute walk to the field then a good ten minutes trudging the perimeter for an angle, then easel up and throw the lines! I slashed it on in an hour. The view shows the soil taking up over two thirds of the canvas above which we have the ever present tree line and a couple of houses. The sky barely gets a look-in. The movement, much like global politics, is to the right. (Forgive the literal symbolism but I feel it appropriate to begin from the beginning.) Dominant umber tones paled by grey goose green, mustard yellow and a grimy violet.  As for style, well, what began as my laboured aping of Van Gogh in the Torpoint Art Service many years ago has become, for better or for worse, my way of doing it. That said the whisper of Cezanne has grown ever louder over the years and for a time I had one on each shoulder at the easel with some interesting results, but for the Dignity Scholarship I shall choose my subject and attack it with conviction and that is about all I know about it. 

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Tomorrow I simply must tackle the autumn colours! The forest perimeter of the large field directly opposite the yellow house is wonderfully varied in colour, tone and form so I think I'll take that in the morning. 

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Bests,

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John

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1. This refers to the Swedish Arts Council's annual funding competition. The Working Grant Fund that John has unsuccessfully applied for three times provides artists with a grant of 100,000kr (£10,000) for one year.

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2. John worked with the Torpoint Art Service in England on a project to 'start again' with radical art practice in the context of post financial crisis austerity in the UK.  John moved to Sweden before the project was finished.

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3. We will happily look into the possibility.

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4. The colour merchant in question is Jacksons Art Supplies.

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5. We do ideally require some Norrtälje based Doing but it is not a strict requirement. John is under no obligation to enter any of the Kommune Norrtälje Participation Projects.

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