Artist Statement
Standing Stones and Sacred SpacesI have been painting and drawing my whole life, now in my 'Tin Can Studio' at Holbrook near Belper. My new work is the culmination of two years researching some of Derbyshire’s ancient sites including Arbor Low, Minninglow, Nine Ladies, Nine stones Close, Doll Tor and Froggett stone circle. Much has been written about these ancient monuments, yet they remain a mystery. Since childhood playing at Thorstone in Wirral I have felt an attraction to such places, only growing with time.
The sites I have explored are those I love and which are geographically closest to my home.
The images I have created are not photographic in detail, there are many beautiful photographs of these places created by other artists. My paintings represent a uniquely personal and spiritual response, one which I hope will resonate with others.
My process for creating can be protracted, first I visit and quietly, open mindedly walk the site, sketching and note taking as I go. Next, I will take numerous photographs of different views and small details which catch my eye, at this point I will do more sketching perhaps using colours. The next important stage is to find somewhere quiet to undertake a deep meditation, I believe this helps me gain different insights to and connection with the particular place. Post meditation, I record thoughts, feelings and the words which swiftly come to me. In the studio I gather these materials and take time to respond in an honest and emotional way which influences the palette and style. Processes like mine can be described as ‘psychogeographical art’.
Some works in this collection are semi abstract, some distinctly figurative. Whatever the image portrayed, I sincerely hope you find something to enjoy and connect with, in this new collection.
