I tend to photograph my drawings as they progress. It is the process of building an image, rather than the finished artwork, that fascinates me. Sometimes I go back and forth multiple times and sometimes I am done in a few long sittings. Before I start to draw I let an idea germinate in my mind. I then collect images that resonate. When the time is right I open my folder of pictures and start to draw. I cannot force myself to draw or timetable myself to create. Instead I allow the compulsion to draw guide me into action.
The Lure...
(a monster released)
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When I sent some photos of this developing image to a friend she said: "They are a bit scary. Should I be worried?" Another wanted to know what was going on in my head. I replied "Nothing now! It is all out there on paper!" My most recent pieces have evolved from situations that have happened in my life that have played over and over in my head. Upsetting events, catastrophised and blown out of proportion. Troubling, worrisome and highly emotive circumstances. I start to let out the angst after a time by drawing the monsters that I have created in my head. Once on paper they somehow dissolve and become less important and what was a troubling situation now becomes an image I am proud of and adore.
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Bridget...
(spiritual goddess!)
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This piece just never seems to be embellished and shiny enough to represent the bright spirit for whom it is intended. It is covered in gems, holographic paper collage, metallic paint and bright colour - yet it needs more! A colourful, spiritual character, Bridget carries her angels and guides close at all times. Her angels envelop her and wrap around her like a second skin providing strength. Water surrounds her, protects her and becomes her. Will she ever be finished?.. or will she keep growing and evolving - ever changing like the ocean?
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Gule Na...
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Alhaji-Naa Seidu Braimah Nubalanaang - Gule Na is my great friend Lesley's father in law and an African tribal leader in Ghana. I am told he is a proud prestigious man. His status governs that he will always be covered by an umbrella when in Ghana. Can you spot the Magritte inspired brolley? Meetings of government take place under the mango trees - hence the lino printed leaves surrounding his face. It was my aim to create a piece of work that does his position justice and subtly symbolises his rank and culture. The portrait is now in situ at his palace.
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Extinguished...
(Justin's nightmare)
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In this nightmare Justin had become a fireball. Curled in the foetus position a bucket full of alligators is thrown at him in order to extinguish the flames. I could not resist playing with this image on an editing app one afternoon. I may spend more time digitally enhancing it in the future to get a more comic book feel to the image. According to a dream dictionary the foetal position is symbolic of connecting with the inner child and is a very powerful symbol that can be either transformational or destructive. The fact the fire is being extinguished by alligators and crocodiles suggests an emotional attack from something or someone. Who or what is the dreamer protecting himself from? Is he going to rise like the phoenix from the flames?
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Donna...
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Donna Gilbert (nee Cobbett) 13.07.69 - 16.08.17 - she was such an important part of my formative years and a dear friend! In this picture I hope to encapsulate the memories of our childhood years when - we were together so much - and keep them alive now that she has passed on. I have used elements of Frida Kahlo's powerful self portraits to influence the piece. Donna, like Kahlo, lived with HUGE challenges. Living with cancer for so many years Donna's strength was apparent throughout. She lost her fight to cancer but she never lost her fight. The imagery within this portrait tells a story of a friend who was like a sister to me. I can never fully do justice within a piece of art to the memory of Donna but I will enjoy reliving and engaging with the memories held most dear... Rick, Rachel and Joshua - these are my memories of your amazing Wife/ Mother.
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