Why Paint?
More to the point, why do I paint and what purpose does it serve?
About 16 years ago I had just gone through some particularly unpleasant law exams in Jersey. I felt frazzled, so in an effort to clear my mind of legislation and case law I picked up some brushes to gain some inner quiet. Since that date I have grown to take increasing pleasure from abstract art and to experiment with textures and colour in a way that is constantly morphing.
"Fog" 2017
I am certainly no fine artist, like my good friend Marian Rodrigues Osorio or Kevin Pallot from Jersey – whose works I admire enormously: Talent of that nature is undeniable, whereas the appreciation of abstract art all boils down to personal taste.
"Through the Willows" 2017
An aunt visited our home once and asked what a triptych on our wall made me feel when I look at it.
It’s a beautiful abstract red and black lacquered piece I bought back home from a local Jersey artist, which has gold tones running through parts in a manner akin to cracked old antique Chinese furniture, or oil infused colours seeping into one another.
I will never tire of it. I answered that it made me feel calm and reminded me of the Far East, which I have always found captivating. Fortunately I wasn’t planning on giving it to her, as she said she did not care for it one bit!
Love it or hate it, for some, abstract art really isn’t an option.
I have always been inclined to allow my personal taste in art to spread in various directions without detracting from my love of others. Some art I can appreciate, but would not want on my walls. With my own creations I strongly adhere to the rationale of the acclaimed Scottish artist Alexander Millar; that by painting rear views of people (or in my case silhouettes), one can project one’s own sentiments into a piece. It’s the same with abstract art.
"The Dog Walkers" 2017
Until recently, I’m not sure that there has been a purpose to my art other than to possibly generate feelings of pleasure and achievement for myself in the creative process. There is clearly the objective of potential enjoyment for the viewer or receiver who may perceive something in the piece which resonates for them in some way, but beyond that there was little else. I have been encouraged by friends and family to start producing art on a more commercial basis, and who knows where this will lead me. I know I still find myself letting a piece lead me to its own conclusion.
With this in mind I have pursued a bit of bike theme recently: As an interior designer I appreciate industrial interiors within period architecture, and while some may find the correlation jars I find contrast enhances the allure of juxtaposed styles. My particular favourite is the Chinese calligraphy inspired “Bike” – it has my signature textured background to it with a typically oriental floating subject.
"Bike" 2017
I have also used gears in the process of creating a road, so a combination of freehand, print-work and texturizing has been brought together.
In my day job I work to a brief 99% of the time, so although my artistic flair may be called upon, the finished product is never a complete vision of my own. While I can't speak for others, I think it is fair to say that I personally paint to relax and feel absorbed by the creative process. An image or goal may be my starting point, but as stated, I like to allow my artwork to run free so each piece leads to its own conclusion.
Pieces in this article may be viewed for sale at orAgin at The Duckhouse, Town Hall Buildings, 2-3 Princess Street, Corbridge, Northumberland NE45 5AD, or you can contact me directly on 07794451565.
