Toby Paterson

Today we had a visit from artist Toby Paterson. He talked of the various types of mediums he has worked with over his career along with explaining the basis of his work and interests in architecture and the reality it occupies. 

We took a trip to see his exhibition over in Peebles last week. I very much enjoyed the selection of art on display and was eager to get the chance to hear him speak to us and maybe ask some questions. I remember thinking I wasn't too keen on the sculptures dotted around the room, they didn't grab my attention as much as his 3-D work and aluminium paintings. I noticed there were no titles accompanying each piece of work  - this startled me at first, but soon I felt as if a sort of pressure was lifted off me. If I had a title in my face before I had even looked at the painting, I feel that would have distracted me slightly or pushed my mind to come up with an opinion too soon. 

Whenever I've attended an exhibit I've always had in mind whether or not the title of a particular piece is accompanying said piece. I usually spend an initial 5+ minutes analysing and just taking in the work, and then if there is an area for information regarding the work or the artist responsible, I will give that a read before going back to analysing the work in detail. 

What I especially took away from Paterson's visit was how he told us of his intentions and ultimate aim within his work. He explained at first how he can go very long walks and document what he sees with his camera. I remember understanding what he meant when he talked about being able to feel a certain areas identity, inhabitants and atmosphere. I was interested for example, that a building next to a patch of grass with a crooked rusty fence might affect him and inspire him in a way he has never felt before, and that he understands that these things won't be around forever. I understand why he believes the feelings he has about encountering such areas needs to be captured. He talked of a specific building that grabbed his attention whilst out walking, here is his rendition of that building:

After about 5 minutes of explanation,  he talked of the feeling he had when he found this area and that he could only describe it as a "completely aesthetic experience of light, colour and space". This gave me the impression that he felt strongly about this particular building.

Paterson also spoke of when he was in France, and he organised a bus load of locals from the town to accompany him a little tour of their hometown. I admire how he had such an interest in these peoples opinions and views, and that he himself invested time in order to gain information to further his work.

Overall, his talk was filled with interesting projects he's taken part in and created since the beginning of his career in art. I found he spoke very clearly and honestly about how he creates his work and the influences that drive him and keep him going.