"Borrowed Lines"

"Borrowed Lines" is a series of paintings that draws inspiration from the history of Japanese Boro textiles, once worn by peasants who  repurposed and transformed old garments into beautiful patchwork masterpieces. Much like the resilient spirit of Boro, these paintings are an exploration of the beauty found in the discarded and the forgotten.

The title, "Borrowed Lines," expresses the essence of this collection. It

reflects the notion of borrowing from the past, not only in the physical sense

of layering paint on top of old boards but also in the deeper connection to the

stories and experiences embedded within those layers. Just as Boro textiles

tell tales of the wear and tear of everyday life, these paintings carry the

history of their earlier incarnations, creating a visual narrative that spans multiple layers.

The technique employed in this series involves painting on top of old boards, sometimes repeating the process up to three times. This layered approach mirrors the traditional craft

of Boro, where textiles were patched and stitched together, creating a composition

from disparate elements. The act of repurposing old paintings  adds

depth and texture and also pays homage to the sustainability inherent in the Boro tradition.

An integral part of "Borrowed Lines" is the encaustic technique, which involves using

heated beeswax mixed with pigments. This method  enhances the tactile

quality of the paintings and symbolises the transformative nature of the

creative process.