SERIES: THE IDIOM POT

A series of oil paintings that came about using the cut-up technique – a random cutting up of words to create a new narrative which has been used by the Surrealists, many poets and songwriters throughout the decades. 

After pulling out my first three words and creating some sketches, I realised I had unintentionally created an idiom… and so it began! 

I created a shortlist of my most favourite idioms and also used the pot to pull out three words which I added to each composition, never knowing how it would work or look. 

Take a look at the video at the bottom of the page to see the journey – oh and watch until the end for the cheeky credits! >>>

“A Storm in a Teacup”

Oil on Canvas | 24″ x 20″

The first three words I pulled out of the pot were: CUP, TREE, CHAIR. After playing it safe with sketching ideas I decided to turn the cup upside down and think differently. The composition came very quickly together after that.

“The Carrot and the Stick”

Oil on Canvas | 24″ x 20″

I liked the challenge of this idiom and there was definitely serendipity at play when I pulled out these three words, RABBIT, CARAVAN, BIRD.

What will that rabbit do…?

“Beat Around the Bush”

Oil on Canvas | 24″ x 20″

I had so many ideas when choosing this idiom and it was helped by the box hedges and single bay tree in my garden and a member of the family being a policeman. I laughed out loud when I pulled out these three words, HELICOPTER, ARCHWAY, UNDERWEAR.

“The Cat’s Out the Bag”

Oil on Canvas | 24″ x 20″

Any mention of a fluffy animal and I’m there… So this idiom was on one of my favourites on the shortlist. The random three words to add to the composition were, BALLOON, RADIO, SUITCASE.