Narratives in Art.

Narratives in Art is a living archive of my practice, a space to document, process, and think out loud. Posts might follow a new work, a small observation, an exhibition, or a question I can't yet answer. There is no fixed agenda here, only an ongoing record of how the work develops, where it leads, and what it is slowly becoming.

Reflective Writing, Exhibitions, Inspiration, Materials Siobhan McMorran Reflective Writing, Exhibitions, Inspiration, Materials Siobhan McMorran

Anselm Kiefer Exhibition.

While visiting Amsterdam, I had the chance to experience Where Have All the Flowers Gone, a powerful dual-venue exhibition of Anselm Kiefer’s work. This post reflects on the impact of seeing his monumental canvases in person, the influence of Van Gogh, and how it all connects back to my own artistic practice.

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My Practice, Techniques, Materials, Inspiration Siobhan McMorran My Practice, Techniques, Materials, Inspiration Siobhan McMorran

“Understory”.

Repurposing discarded office frames as canvases led to Understory, a piece exploring memory, balance, and belonging. Using my new Chinese painting set, I experimented with ink grinding, layering, and the interaction between paint and space. Inspired by the forests of Loch Tay and the concept of the understory, this work reflects on the haziness of memory and the unseen layers that shape our connection to place.

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Scaling up #1 & Threads Exhibition.

Scaling Up #1 is my first attempt at translating my detailed style into a larger composition. This experimental sketch taught me to embrace imperfections, overcome creative hurdles, and find unexpected freedom in the challenges of working on a new scale.

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My Practice, Techniques Siobhan McMorran My Practice, Techniques Siobhan McMorran

Stipple Brush.

Inspired by feedback from a group critique, I’ve introduced stippling brushes into my process, creating soft, shadowy textures that enhance the dreamlike quality of the piece. The unexpected comparison of my work to a cathedral has deepened my perspective on the painting, as I continue refining this exciting exploration of scale, texture, and memory.

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My Practice, Course Reflection, Techniques Siobhan McMorran My Practice, Course Reflection, Techniques Siobhan McMorran

First Group Critique.

Participating in my first group critique session was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating as I shared my large-scale experimental piece for the first time. The feedback I received, from technical tips like using a stipple brush to deeper inspirations such as exploring Sohrab Sepehri’s work and Chinese Freehand brush techniques, left me with an unexpected burst of motivation. This experience marked a pivotal moment, moving me from guarded creation to confident exploration, and showed me that sharing my art amplifies its meaning rather than diminishes it.

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My Practice, Experimenting Siobhan McMorran My Practice, Experimenting Siobhan McMorran

Scaling Up.

Experimenting with larger-scale artwork has been a new frontier for me. Inspired by towering forests and themes of memory, I’m navigating the challenge of balancing control with the raw, immersive impact of a larger canvas. This post explores the unexpected connections between scale, cianalas, and the sense of collective memory that arises in my work.

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