It's time!




It is time for me to retire from teaching. More and more I am enjoying my time in the studio, time with my gorgeous family and time of course, with David (aka the Oboe Player). At aged 62 and with a twenty year international teaching period behind me it is time for me to concentrate on my own creativity, write all those articles I have been wanting to for many years and present some bodies of work of my own. These feelings have been bubbling since I undertook the residency at la Scuola Internazionale de Grafica in Venezia where I found pure joy indulging myself in studio work on a daily basis. Admittedly the sights and sounds of la Serenissima helped. I do however enjoy the goings on up and around the River Derwent.

I would like to contribute much more to the local arts and crafts community and I can't do that while prepping for lessons, travelling and teaching. I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit places I normally wouldn't. I have spent such wonderful times with people from all around the world, many of whom I now call friends. Their warmth and hospitality has helped make the long trips worthwhile.

One of the things I feel deeply about is fine calligraphic work demonstrating depth of spirit, knowledge and technique. I feel I have given much to help others understand and learn the true history & character of letters, the making of letters & marks and their educated placement. It is now time for me to put the teaching desires away. Finally I shall be able to deliver on all those promises I have made to myself to create and do for others. I want to kick around in Australia a lot more, get deeper in to our own lettering and arts scene and study early indigenous carvings and paintings as a way of communication.

Excitedly I will meet all my teaching commitments for 2020 - Germany, Slovenia, the UK & US - and come 2021 I shall cease all international teaching.



Here are a few images from my latest 20.5/20.5 series.



 







































W A T C H   T H I S   S P A C E





Comments

Fiona Dempster said…
Hi G - well done you! I remember the work you produced in Italy and how I felt it to be the work you were made to make; so I look forward to what comes next! I congratulate you on all that you have achieved and shared, and for letting folk know in advance that 2020 will be your last year of teaching. There is so much waiting for you and I look forward to seeing it! xF
Annick said…
you're absolutely right; take some time for yourself and enjoy ! P.S.: these works are already really promising. I hope to see more on this blog ! Annick
You are such a force of nature, Gemma!! I am sure your next phase of life will be as remarkable as the past ones! Every well meaning wish to you!!!
Gemma Black said…

Thank you Fiona. I am fortunate to have you with me every step of the way. x G

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