All arms...
Earlier this year, I decided to do something out of my comfort zone. It’s not unusual for me to do silly stuff, but it usually involves either climbing boots/running shoes or my beloved Sidis.
I decided to create a competition for those who follow me on Twitter. I asked for people to throw me ideas of what they’d like to see on a canvas. One of these suggestions would be picked out of my hat and I would paint it!
The suggestions made were so varied, ranging from the aesthetically stunning (monkfish, wild garlic, oyster on samphire) to the unusual but visually gripping (a heart in the literal sense), with some suggestions so far out there they may still be orbiting (egg and bacon in a white bap.. tabasco on the side).
All of these ideas (yes really) went into the hat and I duly picked one out:
Having never illustrated an octopus before, this was new territory for me. I’m very lucky to have a great fishmonger near by. Great, because whenever I need to come and photograph, examine and marvel at fish they’re incredibly accommodating. Handling this beautiful creature was a genuine revelation; the exquisitely detailed suckers that gather along the length of each outstretched tentacle; the huge sapient eyes, sheathed behind the pretence of a ‘lid’. With every pose I arranged, it lay with such grace and liquid agility.
In between “proper” work, I sketched, painted and became metaphorically entangled with this charming octopus that began to appear on my canvas. It’s been a challenge to portray it’s fluid form. One that I’ve relished.
Here’s how the work progressed…
During this project it’s been great to get feedback from people. It seems that the octopus resonates with many.. it being quite an enigma about whom folklore and horror stories have fuelled a history of misunderstanding laced with a little dread. The truth is it’s a beautiful, elegant and shockingly bright creature that deserves many more canvases…
Apparently it tastes good too! *
Now the varnish is drying, and on Monday 26th November I’ll be placing the names of all those who entered into my hat. The one I pull out wins the canvas..and if they live near enough, I might even deliver it in person!
*I’ve not had the pleasure of anything beyond the rubbery “boing” of sadly overcooked polpo as yet!
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