In 2005 we visited Euskirchen to meet the German artists involved in our joint venture. I met Hans Mies, a painter and colleague of Joseph Beuys in the 1970’s.

Our creative journey began. Our initial meeting was characterised by moments of self - reflection, self - discovery, sharing of knowledge and questioning each other about our individual work. With the help of some red wine, and many conversations we were able to find common ground, even though our individual work was very different.

On returning home I found that I was able to take risks and explore new ground. I sent Hans some images of the pheasant that lives in our garden and in particular the tracks made in the snow. I knew that this would engage him. We played a game of ‘visual consequences’ that were fairly random but limited by the size of the post card that we sent each other.

It is challenging to get rid of all the stereotypes between our two countries, yet still acknowledge the past.

Jean Page
Darnwine
Silk, thread, dye. 2005


Hans K. Mies
Akt
2004

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