Vidya Wolton

Have finally broken the long silence on my blog on what has been an inspirational day of sunshine, sand and mud at Grange Chine on the island. Quite alot has happened over the intervening months, not least my decision to leave Goldsmiths! Far from straightforward and not an easy decision but gradually coming to terms with life back on the Isle of Wight and my new found freedom to branch out artistically. Today was a foray onto the beach where I had a maddening time attempting to create work from found objects and mud. I have to say it can all be quite unmanageable and chaotic but did enjoy the freedom and inspiration of the coast. Here are the results entitled ‘Raft’. This was my husband’s initiative as he had been down to the same beach a week ago when conditions were actually quite wild to make these so-called ‘mud paintings’. I nolonger have a studio which inevitably forces the work in a different direction. I’m still very much a painter working from home with works on paper for the moment.

‘Mum’s Folly’ caught my eye on a trip to Seaview, near Ryde today. It gives a convenient run-in to some big changes that will be happening for me as from September. I’m going to be embarking on an MA in Art Psychotherapy at Goldsmiths College in London. This will qualify me to practice as an Art Therapist at the end of three years study. I shall be between two worlds in the sense of moving between the island and London each week. Mum’s Folly, namely myself may prove to be one of my reflections. There will be much to ponder as a lot of the course emphasis is on learning to be OK with yourself in the many challenging situations that may occur. The blog may take a more urban shift but for the moment I am still enjoying sea views!

Here I am, out and about during the Extreme 40s racing which finished yesterday. These mult-hulls have to be one of the highlights of Cowes Week and it is the anticipation and exicitement of the racing that is so difficult to capture. I’m not sure about being the next ‘Kurt Jackson’ who has taken to the water in Greenpeace boats to capture the action (also resident artist at Glastonbury!) It was great fun to share in the occassion of the awards ceremony complete with champagne shower. Olympic champion Shirley Robertson is seen here in the foreground smiling into the camera.