I always enjoy reading your posts. There is such a patience and familiarity about them, as if told at the kitchen table with a cup of tea in hand, and I dare not interrupt in case I miss a bit.
It is true to say that there is a power in having your own space and an independence as a creative person. Thank you for sharing the story of this incredible artistic talent, Kaff Gerrard. Taking the time to write a piece like this goes such a long way to bringing her into the light, despite what she may have wanted in her lifetime.
Thank you for much, David, and what a kind and thoughtful message on which to end the day. I am so pleased you enjoyed Kaff Gerrard, her work was such a happy discovery.
I knew nothing of Kath Gerrard, not even her name. I think her work is fascinating in its quality of repose (Cyclamen and Blue Jug)…and I really get John Russell Taylor (ever insightful) and his point about the personal quality of her vision (Bomb damage with cows). I really dig the Artemisia in a glass vase. I think her and her husband’s mutual decision not to show their work adds another layer of meaning to that (and put me in mind of Kate Atkinson who wrote about the delight of writing just for herself, with no intention of showing it to anyone else, let alone of publication); it seems a valuable counterpoint to the performative in art (and I say that in acknowledgement of my own delight at times in the performative) – it isn’t that interiority is more desirable than performative, or vice versa, it’s just the quality of privacy and interiority here in the pictures you’ve included, allied to the showing of the subjects through her painting, is both intriguing and calming.
I also found your idea on creative hiatus cool. I have always been tempted to be intolerant about the concept of creative block, finding it self-absorbed and indulgent – self-aggrandising even, making me want to say ‘stop getting in the way of yourself’ (as per Judith Jones to a whining author in an episode of the wonderful series Julia). But, creative hiatus seems a much more realistic term for the difficulties we all experience in creativity, a term which allows for the reality but also shows us a way forward and the imperative to find inspiration to work through that hiatus rather than wallow.
Thank you very much for thoughtful and interesting response, I was delighted by it.
Her work, and then her life, was such a surprise to and I have sympathy with her decision not to show. I confess that it is something I struggled with, especially since the onset of social media and the emphasis on performance. But conversely working in a vacuum would also be difficult so it is a tricky path to negotiate!
The notion of creative block is another difficulty and love the quote from Julia. I think an acceptance of the ebbs and flows much healthier and completely agree with your comments. Thank you, Nicolas.
« Cyclamen and the Blue Jug » has stopped me reading for a bit: because of the use of colour and light. Other paintings are quite unique as well. I would be interested to see Kaff Gerard’s ceramics.
Thank you for telling us about her. It’s mind boggling how many female artists remain unknown (for various reasons).
I am so pleased you liked her work too. It is so distinctive. I did look for examples of her ceramic work, but drew a blank, which was disappointing. During that period, and certainly before, it took dogged determination to forge an artistic career and so many have fallen from view. ( I do hope the rats don't make a return visit!)
A fascinating read & a wonderful artist. Of course, now I long to see all of those 51 paintings gathered together once more. What a fabulous exhibition that would be.
As always such a lovely post with so much of interest. I'm always challenged and inspired by reading of people creating art for its own sake. What beautiful work she made.
Very sorry that you have been invaded and do hope all intruders are well and truly gone never to return!
And congratulations on being here for a year, and thank you for sharing with us so many things of beauty and inspiration each time you write, you always open a door onto a small corner of the world which otherwise I would never see! x
Thank you very much, Lou, that is so kind of you. Thank you for all your support over the last year and for giving me a gentle nudge in the right direction!x
Thank you for this post, I especially enjoyed the picture of the Sussex Downs. I write about this landscape in fiction but tend to see it through a Bloomsbury lens so really enjoyed this different artistic perspective.
A lovely post. I'd never heard of Kaff Gerrard so thank you for finding and sharing. That filmy texture is so interesting. Oh, rats, rats! We had them in our roof earlier this year, it distressed me so much and although we got rid of them (well, the rat man did) it left me listening for scratching for ages. Shudder. There is nothing like a a good clear up and a tidy space to help the inspiration along. I have been pondering something more 'making art' for a while but I am scared to because I have no natural talent in that direction! I was in the framers yesterday and spotted a 'how-to' book on lino cutting and printing which I fancy having a go at. Now I've said it, I might just have a go...
Do have a go! It is such a compulsive activity and I am sure you would enjoy it. If I can help in any way, please drop me a line. As for the rats...I could hear them running inches away and dread them returning. They are so destructive and wished I could have just encouraged them to go elsewhere!
Congratulations on your first anniversary on Substack! Wow! Rats in the ceiling of your studio isn't good. I hope things are back to normal now. And thank you for introducing us to Kaff Gerrard. I'll definitely look into her a bit more.
You've introduced me to two artists I would never have come across in a million years, Mildred Holland and Kaff Gerard. Their work is stunning, and especially in the case of Gerard I wish I were in England so I could see them in person. There seems to be so much in the paint itself that a screen can't convey. And congratulations on the clean-out! It's long overdue around here, but it's September and I am getting back into the studio as of this week, so there's hope.
September is the perfect time for a clear! It always feels like the time of fresh starts. I am so pleased that you liked their work - it seems there are so many that we simply don't know about. The surface texture of Kaff Gerrard's work is very distinctive - the oil paint is very dry and chalky as though it is almost purely pigment. I did contact the joint website of her work work and her husband's but sadly received no response. I am going tomorrow to an exhibition of women's art at the Tate Gallery, whcih I am greatly looking forward to, and will keep you posted. Here is the link: https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/women-artists-in-britain-1520-1920
That’s so interesting about Kaff Gerrard, thank you for sharing it all. Sorry to hear about the rats, and well done with the clear-out... that kind of activity always takes much longer than anticipated (for me, anyway!)
The rats were ghastly! The clear out took much longer than I thought but the result was worth all the effort. I am not one for muddle/ creative mess and a clear space is bliss. I just hope I can maintain the order!
I know -- it's like one spends one time Not Doing whatever it is that one wants to be doing. The metaphor that really spoke to me on that one was Katherine May's notion of "wintering,", in a book of the same name. The gist of it for this context, for me, was a sense of a field that lies fallow for a time. Nothing grows in it, and that's as it should be; more can happen there later, nourished by the slow, invisible changes taking place in the resting soil.
It doesn't seem flowery at all. I love that book and will read it again this winter. I recently read "Enchantment " too which I enjoyed just as much and think she is a very special writer.
As always, I thoroughly enjoyed this post. Thank you, Deborah. It came at the perfect time for me - after having a show in June, I have felt a little ambivalent about "making more stuff." There seems so much already in the world. But seeing these wonderful paintings from a woman unknown to me makes me very happy. And I'm sure that painting them made her very happy. I guess that's why we keep at it. In spite of rats in the roof, cold weather, too much stuff in our studios, the work makes us happy, and in turn it can make other people happy. I'm glad to have been able to read your posts for this past year, and I sure hope you keep going!
Thank you so much Carol for your support. I think after a show, or any burst of creative activity, there comes a period when you need to take a breath. I found seeing her work uplifting and her story so humbling. I love that she just kept going wanting to produce the best work she could. I am glad she spoke to you too x
Another fine post Deborah. Thank you! I look forward to discovering more women artists with you as our guide. Awful about the rats and pesky silver fish. . Do hope you’ve eradicated them! 🤞🏼
Have you heard of or read The Story of Art without Men? I’ve heard a lot about it but haven’t read it and wonder if Kaff Gerrard would show up in there.
I always enjoy reading your posts. There is such a patience and familiarity about them, as if told at the kitchen table with a cup of tea in hand, and I dare not interrupt in case I miss a bit.
It is true to say that there is a power in having your own space and an independence as a creative person. Thank you for sharing the story of this incredible artistic talent, Kaff Gerrard. Taking the time to write a piece like this goes such a long way to bringing her into the light, despite what she may have wanted in her lifetime.
1 year, and here's to many more.
Thank you for much, David, and what a kind and thoughtful message on which to end the day. I am so pleased you enjoyed Kaff Gerrard, her work was such a happy discovery.
Hey, what an interesting post to read.
I knew nothing of Kath Gerrard, not even her name. I think her work is fascinating in its quality of repose (Cyclamen and Blue Jug)…and I really get John Russell Taylor (ever insightful) and his point about the personal quality of her vision (Bomb damage with cows). I really dig the Artemisia in a glass vase. I think her and her husband’s mutual decision not to show their work adds another layer of meaning to that (and put me in mind of Kate Atkinson who wrote about the delight of writing just for herself, with no intention of showing it to anyone else, let alone of publication); it seems a valuable counterpoint to the performative in art (and I say that in acknowledgement of my own delight at times in the performative) – it isn’t that interiority is more desirable than performative, or vice versa, it’s just the quality of privacy and interiority here in the pictures you’ve included, allied to the showing of the subjects through her painting, is both intriguing and calming.
I also found your idea on creative hiatus cool. I have always been tempted to be intolerant about the concept of creative block, finding it self-absorbed and indulgent – self-aggrandising even, making me want to say ‘stop getting in the way of yourself’ (as per Judith Jones to a whining author in an episode of the wonderful series Julia). But, creative hiatus seems a much more realistic term for the difficulties we all experience in creativity, a term which allows for the reality but also shows us a way forward and the imperative to find inspiration to work through that hiatus rather than wallow.
Thank you for a such a stimulating piece.
Thank you very much for thoughtful and interesting response, I was delighted by it.
Her work, and then her life, was such a surprise to and I have sympathy with her decision not to show. I confess that it is something I struggled with, especially since the onset of social media and the emphasis on performance. But conversely working in a vacuum would also be difficult so it is a tricky path to negotiate!
The notion of creative block is another difficulty and love the quote from Julia. I think an acceptance of the ebbs and flows much healthier and completely agree with your comments. Thank you, Nicolas.
What a beautiful post - and thank you for the introduction to Kaff Gerrard. What a discovery - it feels like stumbling upon buried treasure.
Isn't she remarkable? I love that she quietly maintained her work with so little external approbation. Thank you very much.
Thank you so much for this post. 🙏🏻
« Cyclamen and the Blue Jug » has stopped me reading for a bit: because of the use of colour and light. Other paintings are quite unique as well. I would be interested to see Kaff Gerard’s ceramics.
Thank you for telling us about her. It’s mind boggling how many female artists remain unknown (for various reasons).
PS Good to know that rats are now a memory !!
I am so pleased you liked her work too. It is so distinctive. I did look for examples of her ceramic work, but drew a blank, which was disappointing. During that period, and certainly before, it took dogged determination to forge an artistic career and so many have fallen from view. ( I do hope the rats don't make a return visit!)
A fascinating read & a wonderful artist. Of course, now I long to see all of those 51 paintings gathered together once more. What a fabulous exhibition that would be.
Wouldn't that be marvellous? Thank you very much for reading it.
As always such a lovely post with so much of interest. I'm always challenged and inspired by reading of people creating art for its own sake. What beautiful work she made.
Very sorry that you have been invaded and do hope all intruders are well and truly gone never to return!
And congratulations on being here for a year, and thank you for sharing with us so many things of beauty and inspiration each time you write, you always open a door onto a small corner of the world which otherwise I would never see! x
Thank you very much, Lou, that is so kind of you. Thank you for all your support over the last year and for giving me a gentle nudge in the right direction!x
Thank you for this post, I especially enjoyed the picture of the Sussex Downs. I write about this landscape in fiction but tend to see it through a Bloomsbury lens so really enjoyed this different artistic perspective.
Thank you very much for reading it. I love her landscapes of the Downs and you can see her familiarity and understanding of them in her work.
A lovely post. I'd never heard of Kaff Gerrard so thank you for finding and sharing. That filmy texture is so interesting. Oh, rats, rats! We had them in our roof earlier this year, it distressed me so much and although we got rid of them (well, the rat man did) it left me listening for scratching for ages. Shudder. There is nothing like a a good clear up and a tidy space to help the inspiration along. I have been pondering something more 'making art' for a while but I am scared to because I have no natural talent in that direction! I was in the framers yesterday and spotted a 'how-to' book on lino cutting and printing which I fancy having a go at. Now I've said it, I might just have a go...
Do have a go! It is such a compulsive activity and I am sure you would enjoy it. If I can help in any way, please drop me a line. As for the rats...I could hear them running inches away and dread them returning. They are so destructive and wished I could have just encouraged them to go elsewhere!
Congratulations on your first anniversary on Substack! Wow! Rats in the ceiling of your studio isn't good. I hope things are back to normal now. And thank you for introducing us to Kaff Gerrard. I'll definitely look into her a bit more.
Thank you very much, Gillian, and just wish I had joined here sooner! The rats were very unpleasant and just hope they don't pay a return visit...
You've introduced me to two artists I would never have come across in a million years, Mildred Holland and Kaff Gerard. Their work is stunning, and especially in the case of Gerard I wish I were in England so I could see them in person. There seems to be so much in the paint itself that a screen can't convey. And congratulations on the clean-out! It's long overdue around here, but it's September and I am getting back into the studio as of this week, so there's hope.
September is the perfect time for a clear! It always feels like the time of fresh starts. I am so pleased that you liked their work - it seems there are so many that we simply don't know about. The surface texture of Kaff Gerrard's work is very distinctive - the oil paint is very dry and chalky as though it is almost purely pigment. I did contact the joint website of her work work and her husband's but sadly received no response. I am going tomorrow to an exhibition of women's art at the Tate Gallery, whcih I am greatly looking forward to, and will keep you posted. Here is the link: https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/women-artists-in-britain-1520-1920
Can't wait to read about that. And thank you for the description of the paint surface!
I have just finished reading the Sheriff September book. What an absolute gem! I have a feeling reading this may become an annual event. xx
Isn't it joyful? I really didn't want it to end and will certainly read it again.
That’s so interesting about Kaff Gerrard, thank you for sharing it all. Sorry to hear about the rats, and well done with the clear-out... that kind of activity always takes much longer than anticipated (for me, anyway!)
The rats were ghastly! The clear out took much longer than I thought but the result was worth all the effort. I am not one for muddle/ creative mess and a clear space is bliss. I just hope I can maintain the order!
These images are breathtaking. Thanks for sharing them, and hope that the museum visit and the fresh space together lead to all good things.
Thank you, Maria, she is remarkable, isn't she? I hope it leads to new adventures too, it is hugely frustrating.
I know -- it's like one spends one time Not Doing whatever it is that one wants to be doing. The metaphor that really spoke to me on that one was Katherine May's notion of "wintering,", in a book of the same name. The gist of it for this context, for me, was a sense of a field that lies fallow for a time. Nothing grows in it, and that's as it should be; more can happen there later, nourished by the slow, invisible changes taking place in the resting soil.
(Sorry, that came out a little more flowery than I meant it to! And May's book is lovely, and not flowery at all.)
It doesn't seem flowery at all. I love that book and will read it again this winter. I recently read "Enchantment " too which I enjoyed just as much and think she is a very special writer.
Ah, must check that out!
As always, I thoroughly enjoyed this post. Thank you, Deborah. It came at the perfect time for me - after having a show in June, I have felt a little ambivalent about "making more stuff." There seems so much already in the world. But seeing these wonderful paintings from a woman unknown to me makes me very happy. And I'm sure that painting them made her very happy. I guess that's why we keep at it. In spite of rats in the roof, cold weather, too much stuff in our studios, the work makes us happy, and in turn it can make other people happy. I'm glad to have been able to read your posts for this past year, and I sure hope you keep going!
Thank you so much Carol for your support. I think after a show, or any burst of creative activity, there comes a period when you need to take a breath. I found seeing her work uplifting and her story so humbling. I love that she just kept going wanting to produce the best work she could. I am glad she spoke to you too x
Another fine post Deborah. Thank you! I look forward to discovering more women artists with you as our guide. Awful about the rats and pesky silver fish. . Do hope you’ve eradicated them! 🤞🏼
Thank you very much, Caroline. I hope they have gone too... I had no idea silverfish ate old books, they look such innocuous creatures!
Have you heard of or read The Story of Art without Men? I’ve heard a lot about it but haven’t read it and wonder if Kaff Gerrard would show up in there.
I have got it, but haven't yet read it. I just checked the index though, but she wasn't there. Thank you for thinking of it!
Ok, I guess it’s a good sign in some ways that there are so many amazing women artists she couldn’t fit them all 😉