Cornwall

Continuing our Artists &amp; Makers series, we chat to Imogen Rorke, currently exhibiting at Muddy Award winning Penwith Gallery in St Ives.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Imogen-Rorke-Artist-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-June-2024-Me-and-the-crazies-my-three-sons-at-the-Private-View-of-my-current-show-Chaos-and-Calm-at-Penwith-Gallery--1000x667.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-34422" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Imogen-Rorke-Artist-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-June-2024-Me-and-the-crazies-my-three-sons-at-the-Private-View-of-my-current-show-Chaos-and-Calm-at-Penwith-Gallery--1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Imogen-Rorke-Artist-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-June-2024-Me-and-the-crazies-my-three-sons-at-the-Private-View-of-my-current-show-Chaos-and-Calm-at-Penwith-Gallery--800x534.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Imogen-Rorke-Artist-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-June-2024-Me-and-the-crazies-my-three-sons-at-the-Private-View-of-my-current-show-Chaos-and-Calm-at-Penwith-Gallery--768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Imogen-Rorke-Artist-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-June-2024-Me-and-the-crazies-my-three-sons-at-the-Private-View-of-my-current-show-Chaos-and-Calm-at-Penwith-Gallery--1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Imogen-Rorke-Artist-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-June-2024-Me-and-the-crazies-my-three-sons-at-the-Private-View-of-my-current-show-Chaos-and-Calm-at-Penwith-Gallery-.jpeg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



How did you become an artist?



I’ve been creative all my life, and have had various exhibitions of my work since studying a Foundation and an MA in Fine Art and Education about 20 years ago.  I was never confident enough to call myself an artist or valued being creative enough to commit to making work regularly.  However three years ago, after returning home to Cornwall from California (after living there four years with my young family), I made a very conscious decision to fulfill a strong need and “become an artist”.  I set up a studio in a corner of my husband’s office, and prioritised a day a week to making art, instead of the myriad other things running a household and looking after little people involved.  I now only manage to get in the studio a few days a month; my children are homeschooled, but even though finding the time is hard, I prioritise my creative ideas, value the creative process and importantly, am confident enough to call myself an artist.



Can you sum up your work in a sentence?



Bold, abstract and intuitive, using broad brushstrokes, frenzied mark making and dynamic colours.



What is your ideal working environment?



I have a beautiful studio at my home, with lots of space and light.  When I am working on a body of paintings there is complete mess and chaos, paints everywhere, not a clean brush in sight.  I find that I actually paint better when I can’t find anything, because I am so impatient, I just grab the nearest thing at hand which helps in the freedom of the work, allowing spontaneity and unexpected results.  I usually work in silence, I can’t have noise distractions, but occasionally, I blast out some frenetic music to get me going.  Radiohead’s Idioteque is a particular favourite.



Tell us a bit about your inspiration and process



My paintings are a direct response to, rather than in-spite of, my role as a mother. &nbsp; My practice is respite from the chaos, but more than being a cathartic exercise, the paintings themselves are a direct expression of the all-encompassing demands upon me and the constant fluctuation between chaos and calm that is my life.



The need for emotional regulation is highly prevalent in our family.  Soothing behaviours such as rhythmic patting and humming in a low frequency help to calm mounting stress and anxiety, and as I comfort my children, I notice how these behaviours also benefit me.   



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="901" height="758" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Imogen-Rorke-Artist-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-June-2024-Soothing-Song-oil-on-canvas-150-x-120-cms.jpeg" alt="Soothing Song, oil on canvas, 150 x 120 cms
Imogen Rorke Cornwall" class="wp-image-34427" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Imogen-Rorke-Artist-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-June-2024-Soothing-Song-oil-on-canvas-150-x-120-cms.jpeg 901w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Imogen-Rorke-Artist-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-June-2024-Soothing-Song-oil-on-canvas-150-x-120-cms-800x673.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Imogen-Rorke-Artist-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-June-2024-Soothing-Song-oil-on-canvas-150-x-120-cms-768x646.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 901px) 100vw, 901px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Soothing Song, oil on canvas, 150 x 120 cms</figcaption></figure>



I began to understand the use of rhythmic mark making in my paintings; dots, dashes and lines, as a direct expression of self-regulation; a kind of meditative process of regaining calm and order in my life.&nbsp; These marks, made slowly and rhythmically and often whilst humming in a low monotone, are in opposition with and contrast to the violent scribbles, and large expanses of paint applied in fast expressive strokes, often in a frenzy of energetic expression.&nbsp; These can be understood as an expression of the chaotic whirlwind of daily life; in the paintings you can see oscillation between control and chaos; between rhythm, balance and frenetic scribbles and deliberate ‘patting’ marks.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



It is through this process, the layering of colours, textures and marks, that the paintings emerge, without preconception.  I find that if I plan, or think about a painting too much, it will often end up tight and lacking authenticity. My aim is to paint without thought intervening, but with intuition; I let the painting and the process lead me.  Again, there is oscillation between control (in the choice of colours and composition), and the intuitive mark making (the letting go and pure expression). The paintings sometimes take months to resolve, I look at them for a long time, pondering what they need to become their own entity, and tell me they are finished.  They are never perfect; they could always be ‘other’.  I like that in this way, the process of painting, and the paintings themselves reflect life; never perfect and could always be other, but it is in the process that we learn, grow, and find joy in the chaos and calm.



Did you have to learn any new skills unrelated to painting to create your works?



I had to learn to prioritse making work, to value the creative process and not make excuses for why I couldn’t or shouldn’t create.  This was very hard for me, I have so many other demands on me, it’s easy to think of reasons not to be creative.  I think many other would-be artists struggle with this too.  It’s basically about self-worth, and then having the discipline to commit to your creative practice.  Some days/weeks or months this is easier than others.  I think working towards a show really helps to focus the mind, and get motivated, and I read a life changing book about just this, that I thoroughly recommend to all creatives, called Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.  



What are your favourite Cornish views?



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Photo-35130981-Rinsey-©-Ian-Woolcock-Dreamstime.com--1000x667.jpeg" alt="Rinsey" class="wp-image-34424" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Photo-35130981-Rinsey-©-Ian-Woolcock-Dreamstime.com--1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Photo-35130981-Rinsey-©-Ian-Woolcock-Dreamstime.com--800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Photo-35130981-Rinsey-©-Ian-Woolcock-Dreamstime.com--768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Photo-35130981-Rinsey-©-Ian-Woolcock-Dreamstime.com--1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Photo-35130981-Rinsey-©-Ian-Woolcock-Dreamstime.com--2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Oh gosh, so many. The walk from Rinsey Head to Porthleven (one of my local walks) is beautiful and there is an amazing rock formation that looks like a giant meercat looking out to sea like a sentinel. I love that meercat.



What are you working on now?



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="834" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Imogen-Rorke-Artist-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-June-2024-Chaos-and-Calm-oil-on-canvas-150-x-120-cms--834x1000.png" alt="There There, oil on canvas, 120 x 100 cms
Imogen Rorke Cornwall" class="wp-image-34425" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Imogen-Rorke-Artist-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-June-2024-Chaos-and-Calm-oil-on-canvas-150-x-120-cms--834x1000.png 834w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Imogen-Rorke-Artist-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-June-2024-Chaos-and-Calm-oil-on-canvas-150-x-120-cms--668x800.png 668w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Imogen-Rorke-Artist-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-June-2024-Chaos-and-Calm-oil-on-canvas-150-x-120-cms--768x920.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Imogen-Rorke-Artist-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-June-2024-Chaos-and-Calm-oil-on-canvas-150-x-120-cms-.png 1068w" sizes="(max-width: 834px) 100vw, 834px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">There There, oil on canvas, 120 x 100 cms</figcaption></figure>



I have a big exhibition coming up at Penwith Gallery in St Ives next March.&nbsp; I know it sounds like a long way away, but as I only get in the studio a few days a month, I really need to get my skates on!&nbsp; I’m planning a ceramic installation for this show, as well as some larger textile works to go alongside some big paintings.&nbsp; These are all just ideas in my head at the moment, I really need to get started!



Where can we see your work this year?



I currently have a show at Penwith Gallery until the end of July,  and am planning an Open Studio in December with lots of my smaller works on paper and textile pieces exhibited.  



Do you have a favourite painting of yours or one that holds strong memories?



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="764" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Imogen-Rorke-Artist-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-June-2024-Wild-Monsters-Ride-Home-oil-on-canvas-120-x-150-cms--764x1000.jpg" alt="Wild Monsters Ride Home, oil on canvas, 120 x 150 cms
Imogen Rorke Cornwall" class="wp-image-34426" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Imogen-Rorke-Artist-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-June-2024-Wild-Monsters-Ride-Home-oil-on-canvas-120-x-150-cms--764x1000.jpg 764w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Imogen-Rorke-Artist-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-June-2024-Wild-Monsters-Ride-Home-oil-on-canvas-120-x-150-cms--612x800.jpg 612w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Imogen-Rorke-Artist-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-June-2024-Wild-Monsters-Ride-Home-oil-on-canvas-120-x-150-cms--768x1005.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Imogen-Rorke-Artist-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-June-2024-Wild-Monsters-Ride-Home-oil-on-canvas-120-x-150-cms--1174x1536.jpg 1174w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Imogen-Rorke-Artist-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-June-2024-Wild-Monsters-Ride-Home-oil-on-canvas-120-x-150-cms--1565x2048.jpg 1565w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/Imogen-Rorke-Artist-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-June-2024-Wild-Monsters-Ride-Home-oil-on-canvas-120-x-150-cms-.jpg 1911w" sizes="(max-width: 764px) 100vw, 764px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wild Monsters Ride Home, oil on canvas, 120 x 150 cms</figcaption></figure>



One of my first paintings I made, three years ago, in the corner of my husband’s office, was a pink and black piece called “Wild Monsters Ride Home” (above).  I was very frustrated with my work back then, just starting out in oils and not really achieving the results I hoped for.  However, this piece just worked, and encouraged me to persevere, showing me that I could create work I liked and was proud of.  I gave it to my dear cousin as a wedding present. 



If you could magically transport one piece of artwork in the world to a wall in your home, what would it be?&nbsp;



Anything by Matisse. I love love love his work. The exuberance, the colours; sheer joy.  Failing that, maybe “Boy and Dog in a Johnnypump” by Basquiat. I’d need bigger walls though!



See more of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/immirorke">Imogen</a>’s work and get full details of her upcoming exhibitions <a href="https://penwithgallery.com/exhibition/imogen-rorke-2024/">here</a>  – Chaos and Calm at the Penwith Gallery exhibition runs until 20th July 2024.

Muddy Meets: Imogen Rorke, Artist

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