Carmen McNally's Art

  I was really enjoying exploring abstract mark making, but I started to feel unsure about where I was heading and how I could take the work further. After speaking to my tutor about my concerns, she suggested that I enlarge and recreate some of the smaller test pieces I had made. I knew I would not be able to fully recreate the original marks, as they were created freely and without planning, but I decided to use them as a guide rather than trying to copy them exactly. I chose to begin with one of my favourite pieces, which I had created using wax crayon. I was really pleased with how the enlarged version turned out. Although it does not look identical to the original, it carries the same energy and movement. Before starting, I had to prepare the paper carefully. I taped the sheets to the floor and left them to dry flat because the amount of water and ink I used caused the paper to warp. This process has put a spring back in my step. I had started to feel uncertain about my direct...