SERIES: THE IDIOM POT
The Idiom Pot is a series that combines the randomness of chance with the deliberate choice of meaning, exploring the intersection of language, imagination, and visual expression. The idea behind the series was born from a creative experiment using the Cut-Up technique—a process of randomly cutting and reassembling words to form new narratives. This method, famously used by the Surrealists, poets, and songwriters alike, turns language into a fluid and malleable substance, opening up endless possibilities for interpretation.
The journey began with a handful of words drawn randomly from the pot: “Cup,” “Tree,” and “Chair.” At first, they seemed like an unlikely trio, but as the artist quickly sketched and experimented with their arrangement, something unexpected happened. A vision emerged, and without intention, A Storm in a Teacup came to life becoming the first entry in the series.
It was my partner who first pointed out that A Storm in a Teacup is a well-known idiom, sparking the idea to continue the series, exploring other idiomatic expressions through paint. But I didn’t want to lose the spontaneity of the Cut-Up method, nor did I want the process to become too predictable. The beauty of the technique lies in its surprise and the way it forces you to work with whatever comes up. So, instead of limiting the objects to fit pre-chosen idioms, I decided to embrace both: I would select idioms that sparked an immediate image in my mind – one that “felt good” to develop – and then let the words from the pot fill in the gaps.
- A truly unique and original series of paintings, each being one of its kind in existence!
- Each painting is on a 20mm canvas, unframed and ready to hang.
- Framing on request, framed images are shown as an example, please get in touch to discuss ideas to suit your decor.
- Signed on the front and reverse by the artist Anna-Marie Buss and will make a sensational and thought-provoking addition to your home.
- Free delivery in the UK, please get in contact for a shipping price outside of the UK
- I’m currently working on a new online store, but in the meantime, if you would like to buy it, please contact me using the BUY NOW button.
Take a look at the video at the bottom of the page and make sure you watch until the end for the cheeky credits!
“A Storm in a Teacup”
Oil on Canvas | 24″ x 20″ | £2200
The first three words I pulled out of the pot were: CUP, TREE, CHAIR. After endless doodles of ideas I decided think outside the box and turn the cup upside down. The composition came very quickly together after that.
“The Carrot and the Stick”
Oil on Canvas | 24″ x 20″ : £2200
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″ | £2200
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″ | £2200
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.
