Fleur Simon
Artwork’s Title: Bloom
Materials Used: Epoxy resin and pigment on plywood
Year: 2019
Studio’s Location: London
Art Verge
Can you tell us about the process of making your work?
Fleur Simon
So I started by varnishing the plywood, making it go slightly orange/brown to seal the wood. I poured my resin, adding pigments as I went. I tilted the wood to manipulate the positioning of the resin, and used brushes and sticks where needed. I then allowed the work to cure for a few days, before sanding down the sides and adding a back structure for hanging.
How would you define your work in a few words (ideally in 3 words)?
Contemporary Abstract Expressionism.
Would you use another three different words to describe the ‘Bloom’ painting?
Fresh, abstract, fluid.
How did you come up with this painting idea? Is there any story behind this painting?
As the nature of my work is quite chance based, this work was simply how the pigments landed and spread along the surface. For this small scale I often make a batch of about 7 at a time, and hopefully about 3 of these turn out well. This was one that I left quite simple – using mainly transparent resin on the wood – and I felt it was more effective than the more complex compositions.
What colour is used the most in this painting?
Green and white pigment along with clear resin. The translucency of the resin allows the varnished wood grain and knots to show through, adding a brown/orange colour.
What would be the best way to exhibit your painting?
In a typical white wall space. The colour intensity on these works is pretty strong so the more space they have to breath, the better.
Can you mention any artists you, lately or generally, take inspiration from?
Recently, I have been looking at the work of Ryan Sullivan as he works with epoxy resins and enamel. He creates these very beautiful abstract works, and he has inspired me to branch out of my usual blues and greens and explore more colours, and variations of opaque and translucent surfaces.
How do you know when this painting was finished?
I think you can just tell if it is able to capture a movement or an interesting composition. If it doesn’t, I simply add some more layers of resin until I can see something new – sometimes I even add opaque acrylic paint to play with the depth of the work.
What about the place where you work? What’s your studio space look like?
My studio space is pretty good, I work from home. The floors are covered in paper and I have some plastic buckets for my resin pours.
Is there any particular message that you wish your viewers can take from this painting?
I hope that they can see a depth, or sense a similar feeling to what I feel when I look at it. Really though, it is up to them what they want to see.
Which was the best comment that you received regarding this work?
Nothing really yet, this is the first time I have let anyone see it.
What does your mum think about your art?
So many things.
Which exhibition did you visit last?
Bill Viola at the RA – fantastic!
Which are your plans for the near future?
I have a pop up solo show in London coming up this June so I am working towards that. In the meantime, I am in a duel show in Cambridge and Manchester.
Additional Works
© All images are courtesy of the artist