Becky Blair
"None of my paintings are planned out, they appear organically through a web of under-painting. Lacy pools of watery paint, applied layer upon layer, provide the groundwork from which my landscapes, people and creatures appear. They are the players in my place of dreaming."
Becky's process of laying the canvas flat on the floor and the layering and dot making draws comparisons with the painting of aboriginal artists and demonstrates more than a decade-long development in her own way of working. She aspires to create imagery that has strength, but is equally fleeting and momentary; to evoke movement and vibration, using colour and texture to render physical certain aspects that in real life are intangible.
In the last year Becky has been continuing the exploration of the figure and fauna in landscape, focusing on beach environments. In May 09 she gave birth to daughter Eva, which has led to a break from her work practice.
"My new role as a parent is having a profound effect on every aspect of my life, and most of all on my creative thought and output. I am aware that my attention, which was focused outwards to open landscape, is now more drawn to the small things, the hidden and secret, the imaginary and fantastical. Underpinning any thematic shifts and changes in my work, is my commitment to the creative world, and the drive and necessity to create and grow as an individual. I will continue exploring the craft of painting alongside the new motifs that become relevant to me along my journey as an artist, striving to achieve paintings that encapsulate the joy I find in life through the joy I experience in painting."
Solo Shows
2009
New Paintings & Prints
Castor & Pollux, Brighton. UK
2008
‘Between Me and You’
Gadfly Gallery, Perth, Australia
‘While you were sleeping’
HQ Gallery, Lewes
‘Desperately Seeking Summer’
\COSA, Notting Hill, London
2006
‘Back Seat Fiction’
Gadfly Gallery, Perth, Australia
2004
‘When the Wild Things Bloom’
Gadfly Gallery, Perth, Australia
2003
‘Barefoot in the Supermarket’
Gadfly Gallery, Perth, Australia
Group Shows
2008
‘As I Walked Out’
Will’s Art Warehouse. Putney, London
2007
‘Artwave’ HQ Gallery, Lewes. UK
2006
Spring mixed exhibition
HQ Gallery, Lewes. East Sussex. UK
2005
Summer mixed exhibition
Lewes contemporary art and Star gallery
2004
Summer mixed exhibition
Gaslight Gallery, Mougins, France
2003
‘Summer to Summer’
Gadfly Gallery, Dalkeith, Australia
2002
Exhibition of Fine Art and Jewelry
Chapel of St Pierre D’Orival, Laroque Timbaut, France
2001
Exhibition, Berrima District Arts Society, Australia
Awarded Highly Commended by judge John Lacelles
at the Alvario Open Painting Prize
1997
Exhibition, Earl of Smith Gallery, Leamington Spa, UK
Art Fairs
November 2007 and 2008 Edinburgh Art Fair
June 2008 New York Affordable Art Fair
May 2005 - 2008 Fringe Festival, Brighton, UK
May 2007 & 2008 The AAF, Bristol
March 2004 - 2009 The AAF, London
January 2008 London Art Fair
November 2007 The AAF, Amsterdam
September 2006 Delhi Art Fair, India
September 2006 Singapore Art Fair
June 2006 Sydney Art Fair, Australia
Commissions
August 2007 The Art Group licensing of art work
October 2006 The Art Group licensing of art work
August 2006 Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy
Artwork for the album ‘The Letting Go’
February 2006 Duncan and Baird Publishers, London. 13 illustrations for ‘Mind, Body and Spirit’ 2007 Calendar
April 2005 Toyota, Los Angeles, USA
Image licensed to Toyota for motor sales promo
February 2005 Duncan and Baird Publishers, London
17 illustrations for a book about Angels
May 2003 Capel Vale Winery, WA, Australia
Wine Label Design; paintings and logo for ‘Blue Manna’
1995-2005 Pizza Express
Artwork for restaurants nationwide and internationally
