What’s it all about?
All things possess their unique dynamic energy which can ebb and flow, as a tide does.
With humans and animals, those anticipatory moments before ‘pouncing’ or catching a perfect wave possess very different energy footprints from those that explode when the action takes place.
Even a Richard Batterham clay pot (he’s in the V & A museum, London), can contemplatively hum and fizz and a Fender Stratocaster can sit quietly until cajoled to jump high with Jimi Hendrix vibes.
Some of my paintings evoke a feeling, some are more representational, some will tell a story - ultimately it’s up to you to enjoy them - hopefully!
These are the energies I am interested in exploring - and my aim is to relate this.
Richard Batterham (1936-2021).
I grew up an eight minute walk over the River Stour in Stourpaine, Dorset. Mum and I would often go to see Dinah, Richard’s wife. Herself a potter, she made everything from clothes, country loaves with a ‘top knot’ to yoghurt - and five kids.
Realising early on that RIchard’s talent was exceptional, Dinah focused on being the supportive guardian - you had to go through her to be allowed into the inner sanctuary of RIchard’s place of work.
I remember it always having a calming, fascinating, kind of magical secret atmosphere. Unhurried ‘pots’ to soothe an increasingly hectic world.
Sir David Attenborough thinks so - he collects too.
My on-going education in what I call ‘stringy things’ began in 2019, with Andy.
Mostly a wind player, I have come to really appreciate the extraordinary breath of tones and expressions you can tease out of them.
One of Andy’s Rock n’ Roll series.
Hendrix Fillmore East.
£450
Limited edition fine art giclée print (1/9) on Hahenmühle Photo Rag Satin 310gsm. Framed in Oak with Museum non-reflective glass.
Image size 50 × 30 cm. (Bespoke sizes available).
