Significance of Landscape
Landscape has been my primary focus but has usally carried a dual aspect, using symbols enmeshed within the work to speak of a deeper layer of spirituality for those for whom this has significance. Stones represented the individual or Self; water, Spirit, providing keys for reflection, the flowing nature of life, its mutability. Light embraces illuminiation and clarity, defining form and contrasting with shadows and the hidden ......
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The wilder landscapes devoid of human imprint have been a source of deep spiritual connection for me and I'm intriqued by the dramatic and subtle influences of time and water in moulding and shaping geological bedrock. Parallel to this is the symbolism of water as a metaphor for spirit, it's many states referencing flow, reflection depth obscurity. Geological sustrates as the basic skeleton of form over which a 'skin' of the perceived landscape is stretched. Of rocks as symbol of Self, trees as transient life, and light as the illumination.
With these elements I aim to create images that remind us of the beauty of these uncontained places, providing a painting that both shows the beauty and reminds us of the silence and space of contemplation. The images are increasingly abstract but aim to open the mind to memories and association for each individual viewer.
In 2004 I fulfilled a long held desire to visit ireland, my goal to seek out the Standing Stones and Neolithic structures of that ancient land. These paintings were some of the results and led to an even deeper sense of my home country.
The ruins of cathedrals from Cromwell's time gave form to my encapsualtion of the demise of patriarchal religion and resurgence of a greater awareness of nature, of Gaia, of the preciousness of our land.
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The following five paintings form part of my 2009 exhibition held at the Bunbury Regioanl Art Gallery, and have all sold.
"Of Secrets Long Past" 2005 120x60cm oil on canvas SOLD
"Changing Tide" 61 x 97cm oil on canvas SOLD
"House of the Dead, Journey of the Living" 2009 oil on canvas SOLD
"The Demise of Surety" 100 x 160cm SOLD
"Beneath Clonmacnoise" 2005 80x60cm oil on canvas SOLD >
After this exhibition there followed a break of fourteen years .... encompassing many life changes and culminating in crossing the continent from Western Australia to begin a new life in New South Wales in 2019
Riverside morning 61x90cm 2023
Cudegong 61x90cm 2022 Collection of the Artist
Turqoise and Gold 61x61cm 2023
Collection of the Artist
