As you can see, I often work with house shapes and when I fancied a print play session, I could just see some tiny houses in my mind’s eye so a couple of weeks ago, I asked my lovely friend if he could provide me with some simple wood blocks in the shape of little houses.
I definitely have a predilection towards containing and housing items, but more recently I found myself giving thought to the shape as a symbol in my work. I guess you have to do a certain amount to discover the appearance of a symbol and to reflect why it keeps making itself known, then you can consciously decide to work with it a bit more thoughtfully.
Symbolism represents a synthesis of form and feeling, of reality and the artist’s inner subjectivity.
Nicola Myers 2007
Do you recognise a symbol in your own work?
As soon as I started working on these, I felt a deep sense of pleasure. Only I know some of the reasons I’m drawn to little houses and containing things, but there is a profound sense of ‘rightness’ when working with something that springs from deep within and it’s that, that I feel is often recognised externally as its part of an artist’s authenticity. I’m very sure houses will continue to make regular appearances as representations or forms in my work.
I shall be exploring some further printy themes over the next few weeks and the first batch of little sheds and shacks already have places to go which is lovely.
The textures were built up through layering using text masks and homemade stencils. A variety of processes using different media gave rise to some satisfying and interesting areas of print.
And as is my want… I’m busy chopping up the leftover bits to see what might emerge!
Rachael Singleton 
Just got it in! No sleep last night? Perhaps you sent it yesterday and only came in when night silenced turned off.
Sent from my iPhone
No. I’m an early bird. Awake at 5 these days! 😳
I love these pictures. I could spend a long time looking at the shape,colours and textures of those wooden houses. Recently, some patchworkers have been including a house in their work as a symbol of being locked down, but also as a symbol of a secure place to be in these strange times.
Thank you for these beautiful pictures.
Thank you.
Yes, I’m very aware of both sides as it were. Home and the house will be one of the things that define the pandemic, won’t it? Would love to see the patchwork sometime 😊
I love the look of these houses Rachel. I am just out of hospital myslef, but want to get back to my mixed media ASAP. Thanks for sharing
Many good wishes for a speedy recovery x
These are wonderful – I especially love art of buildings.
Thank you very much. I do love verticals and grids so buildings appeal
Love the two ‘tree’ houses. Your works are wonderful, thank you for sharing them, very inspiring.
Thank you so much! 😊
They are lovely. I understand the feeling you describe but I’m still floundering around trying to put my finger on mine. Not sure I’ll ever succeed to be honest!
I know. I’ve made things all my life and only now can I find something that starts to feel like ‘it’s me’. And even now, I seem to choose to step away from that and annoy myself more times than I can mention. It’s bloomin’ difficult, this art malarky!
I love this thoughtful account of your realisation that houses, house shapes, are where your heart is directing you and where you really feel at home. I often find birds in my work, sometimees as the whole subject, have chosen them as my logo for this time and myblast business, and they crop up in my home too. What you’ve written has really made me think I should explore this more. Thank you for a lovely article. Sue
Thank you so much for this, that’s very kind. It’s good to hear you have similar thoughts, too. I’d love to hear if your explore your bird theme further.