As mentioned in a previous post this year I have been experimenting with the idea of building up my own symbolic language to use in my art practice and as a way to explore psychological aspects of my Self.

The symbol of a “vessel” has come up repeatedly in my explorations and during one of the Thursday Art Club themes on exploring pattern I decided to make this accordion style sketchbook exploring the theme of pattern whilst also using the symbol of the vessel.

To make the sketchbook itself I did a simple process of folding paper, in this case heavy watercolor paper. I fastened long pieces of folded paper together with framers tape to create a sketchbook of the required legnth.

For the images I used mixed media. I combined hand printed, gelli plate printed, mark making and found papers like maps and vintage books in collages for the backgrounds. Then I used negative space painting techniques to paint the vessels themselves. To further embellish and to create patterns I either continued negative space painting in layers to create circles, or I used asemic writing. I then embellished further with more collage and mark making with pencils and acrylic paint pens.

I chose phrases from a vintage gardening book that spoke to me in some way about the symbol of the vessel and how it relates to my psyche. For example I found and applied the word “Boundaries.” This relates to the idea that vessels signify to me the self. It signifies the importance of boundaries between how much you give of yourself to the world and how much you keep contained.

“The common fault is to attempt too much” also represents the idea of “you can’t pour from an empty cup” and that by attempting to give too much of yourself you become depleted.

The words “be connected” show the other side of this idea- that you need to give of yourself to be connected and that connection with others, with nature and with yourself can not only empty but also fill up your “cup”.

I am enjoying the process of working in sketchbooks and of making my own art books. I hope to make more books exploring my personal symbolic language in the future.