Spring 2009
March
In early March the snows recede and there is some warmth in the sun.
I look at arches around the Abbey; the complex mouldings at the entrance to the
Chapter House with their alternating concave and convex curves in arcs of dark
and light, and also the semi circular arches whose strength and simplicity are
their beauty.
I spend time drawing in the aisles of the Nave; looking at the curving planes,
the contrast of the dressed stone of the voussoirs and the rough rubble walling.
In the Water Gardens the semi circular form lies flat and perfect in the pool
beside the canal, behind the pool the Bosquet holds back a chaos of textured shrubbery.
Crisp geometric curves cut through grass.
April
The meeting of land and water at the edge of this small hill attracted me on
my first visit. I was frustrated by the snow but now that confusion has gone and
I look carefully to understand what elements from this landscape that I wish to
combine with the crisp formality of arch and pool.
May
In the Studio I gather together photos and drawings.
Looking at the Abbey stonework helps me to translate the flat stretches of water
into 3 dimensional forms.
Firstly I make tiny plastercine models combining and rejecting elements from
my drawings. I begin to work up the models into stone as I'm eager to see the
surfaces with tool marks and to see light playing on the curved forms.
