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the search for meaning in a world of dreaming
searching for a piece of the jigsaw, a connection that fits in a world of unfitting. Holding true to the source, the pulse that fires the urge in an unknown direction. What is space, what is place - and what constitutes identity? We are what we portray - and our portraits are all self-portraits. This is a gallery of gathered opportunity. Please feel welcome to browse and stay awhile. There are no claims for what you see. If obsession is a measure of genius I am not at the races. Your seeing is the truth. Believe and trust no-one else. Especially the artists.
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1950
Pastel and Ink
The year of my birth. The balance between the spheres is exquisite as the energy flows earthbound. Inviting a response, the picture wishes to move on, whilst being held by the position of the component forms, linked by the energy flow. This painting is the first in a series using the same forms arranged in different positions to represent the changing balance between fire, water and earth as I grow older. -
Mrs Duckworth
Charcoal and pastel on a gesso board
Mrs Duckworth was my chilhood neighbour in Haslingden, Lancashire, during the 1950's and early sixties. She was a largish woman but I hardly ever heard her speak. She was married to a very large brutish drinker. Mostly I would see her bringing in shopping bags, dragging her feet in a world-weary way. I would sometimes wonder what a colourful interior life she might have. The " stained glass " setting of this picture resonates with my own life at that time, in a sheltered working-class corner of a rapidly changing England. -
Solway storm
30 x 20 cm Pastel and Charcoal
The Solway has transparent and dramatic weather lying at the northwestern edge of the country. Its soft rolling hinterland divides the Lake District fells and the Irish sea. Populated by farms that appear on top of the hills, somewhat vulnerable, empty and desolate. As we struggle to master nature - nature has a way of letting us know who's in charge! -
iHug
20cm x 14 cm Pencil
When it gets down to it we all love to feel our own bodies. Sometimes we can get lost in them. -
The Drummer
Framed 25'' x 20'' image size
My depiction of a percussionist -
The Whipping Tree
Pastel
Trees have traditionally been used as the bearers of torture or execution. From the crucifixion, to the gallows people have suffered their fates attached to bits of wood. Now, trees themselves are being ripped up and mashed in the name of industrialization and cheap furniture. This pastel is based on an actual tree that happens to look like a woman’s trunk. -
The Sentinels of the Solway
Photograph
On Crosscannoby beach these three timber posts watch over the narrow channel separating the countries of Scotland and England. The round stone occupies the foreground with such solidity and presence. Who’s in charge? -
Wall
oil pastel
Many of the walls around Dearham, the village where we live in West Cumbria are made of sandstone that occurs naturally in this area. Other materials, however are used to link and augment the wall. The result is a rich and vibrant living art form, unrecognised and uncelebrated. Here is my humble attempt at remedy this unbalance.
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