Tone
Ever since we returned from NYC in June last year, Paul‘s been hard at work preparing for his show Tone, opening this Thursday at the newly re-dubbed Stevenson Gallery (previously Michael Stevenson).
I never use that word ‘humbling’, as I’m not really sure what people mean by it, but I kind of feel like using it when I describe my husband’s work and his work process, because it’s amazing to me that this normal bloke I live with has these vast capacities at his disposal that I don’t really understand at all. Whereas I find my a great deal of my motivation in all the encouragement I get from my blog, shops, and the general healthy state of my business, Paul is one of those rare humans who is able to simply work because that is what he does. It’s not about deadlines or expectations or financial reward, but just about the work. And the work is beautiful.
I never say ‘respect’ either, but I’m saying it now.
Pitch – linocut
For Tone, Paul’s been working with the idea of music elements and relationships, and this is what he says about it:
“From elements which are often non-narrative, mostly repetitive and largely abstract, we extract or assemble meaningful experience. In a series of pencil drawings, a linocut and two sculptures, using only line and its sculptural analogue, edge, I explore visual and metaphorical correspondents for music and sound, and their constituent parts.
Like music, the works reward and thwart expectations, as overlaid lines and stacked edges produce tone, timbre, volume and contrast. The works and their various elements evince attack and decay, echo and reverberation, harmony and dissonance.”
Working within this framework, he’s produced three series of intensely time-consuming and carefully-made pencil drawings, called Tone, Pitch and Field, as well as a large format linocut (above) and two sculptures. See all the work at the Stevenson website.
From the Tone series
From the Pitch series
From the Field series
Visit Paul Edmunds’ website to see more of his work, and the Stevenson website for more about this show.
Michelle | Cloud9 Fabrics
It’s easy to say how much one admires other people’s work these days. Particularly, in our arena, were our vocabulary seems so limited and words like “love” “admire” “respect” influential” get tossed around regularly to tell people how much we appreciate the work they do. It’s not that it’s insincere, but it does sort of lose its oomph after a while. So for Paul’s work I wish I had another word altogether, because, not unlike you- and not being as close to him (which would be totally surreal), I am awed. Simply awed.
Bravo Paul!
claire
Wow, indeed. Some people are truly given very special gifts to share with the world. I am going to use the word inspired and please know that it is used with sincerety. Inspired not only by the results but by the process and the amazing potential that has been exposed here. My jaw has dropped open twice this week; firstly when discovering the paper cut artist “papercutsbyjoe” -last weeks featured seller on etsy -which made me think of you, and now again seeing these images from your husband. I think the words you have chosen are perfect. (*o*)/
skinnylaminx
Thanks so much for your lovely comment. I’ll pass it on to Paul. xx
Lauren
Ah this is such a sweet and special post. You guys are so inspiring. x
Ida
Like your blog
Jan
Mesmerizing. Peaceful. Astounding. Gracious. I would be stuck at an art show or museum for a loooooong time gazing upon every stroke in utter astonishment. Up close, far away, blurring my eyes, focusing my eyes… thanks for sharing with us.
skinnylaminx
Thanks for your lovely, thoughtful comment, Jan. Will pass on to Paul. xx
kate spain
These are absolutely entrancing. They resonate. As far as visual arts go, i think there’s nothing more sincere, vulnerable, and personal than a hand holding a pencil and moving across a piece of paper. At times, deliberate, other times wandering…wondering. Thank you so much for posting these images and congratulations to Paul on completing (this part) of his work.
skinnylaminx
Thank, Kate. Will pass on your lovely words to Paul. xx
Jesse
Beautiful work and beautiful post.
fishingblues
Paul’s work is so… beautiful! There’s something so peaceful about the geometry and repetition of the lines, it’s a pleasant contrast to the “in your face” loudness of so much art today. Thank you!
louise
Paul’s work is for me just breathtaking, I am totally in awe of his work and the Tone series is particularly fine. I so wish i could experience these for real, hopefully one day. Thankyou so much for sharing these.
louise x
Manoushka
Beautiful! My parents are coming out again from Amsterdam and will first stay in Cape Town for a couple of days – I wish I could just post them my eyes so they could join them to see Paul’s show and your shop 🙂 Lots of love from Durban.
skinnylaminx
Great to hear from you, Manoushka. I hope they enjoy seeing the show (of course they will!) xx
kbd
his work is beautiful. in a quiet, lovely way. I’m hoping to get to Moma to see the SA exhibit, and I’m looking forward to seeing Paul’s work in the flesh.