An interesting day for the industrially minded

And here I was wondering where the next inspiration would come from!

I noticed in yesterday’s paper that there was to be an “artists’ panel” in an alternative gallery downtown (Athica).  The gallery is located by the old cement works – what inspiration!!!!  white against blue…I think I got some interesting photographs – I took a lot (per my advice yesterday!)…and will spend today sketching out various elements, combining things, omitting things and trying to convey the dusty feel, the complicated pipes and gantries, the rusty chutes hanging over open air, the desolate rail cars and tanks, the peeling paint….. and look at those crinkly roofs!!!

There are so many interesting textures, and a lot of colour.   But talking about colour…in the gallery (when I could finally drag myself away from the cement works!)  I was totally seduced by some gorgeous paintings of abandoned industrial interiors by Morgan Craig of Philadelphia.

Do go and visit his site – here’s a quick snap of  my favorite:

His colours are both tender and sumptuous; the paintings are full of light and atmosphere.

He talked about wanting to paint the all the memories of these old structures so that they were as evocative as Proust’s famous Madeleine!

As well as showing the beauty of old industrial buildings, and their memories, he is fascinated by the way Mother Nature (She Almighty) is gradually reclaiming the territory.    They are, he said, the “modern sublimity”.

He also told us that Philadelphia is currently allowing its heritage of historic industrial buildings to be destroyed while at the same time  fabricating a much more sanitized children’s storybook history.  

It’s so inspiring to see accomplished fabulous art made with similar goals and ideas to one’s own…there is a way up this mountain!!!

and, if you have been, thanks for reading!!
Elizabeth