The images in my paintings do not refer to objects that exist; they are symbolic representations of ideas that concern me. The paintings have always been about an `inner life`, the unseen world of the mind, and the `archetypes` which emerge spontaneously from the deeper levels of the psyche; so although the paintings are personal, they are also universal in content.
There are often multiple levels of meaning in the work, but it is my hope that each individual will respond to their own intuition for meaning.
Some of the imagery used relates to the tradition of "Alchemy" - the vessel or crucible, in which the alchemical transmutation process is performed, the use of gold, the light and seed forms all refer metaphorically to the transformation of matter into spirit and the evolutionary potential of mankind. Another important symbolic element is the reconciliation of opposites. The quest for `wholeness` in humanity demands a balancing of these `opposites` in all aspects of our lives, inner and outer, male/female, physical/spiritual.
Colour is important in my paintings, I build successive layers of transparent glazes of oil paint and glazing medium, which results in paintings with more depth and vibrancy of colour. The layering process only ends when I feel the painting has achieved a certain `resonance` that brings it to life. This process is also a kind of alchemy.
The paintings are usually quite small, the intention being to draw the viewer into an `intimate`, contemplative connection with the work.
Please Click on each image for full size view.
There are often multiple levels of meaning in the work, but it is my hope that each individual will respond to their own intuition for meaning.
Some of the imagery used relates to the tradition of "Alchemy" - the vessel or crucible, in which the alchemical transmutation process is performed, the use of gold, the light and seed forms all refer metaphorically to the transformation of matter into spirit and the evolutionary potential of mankind. Another important symbolic element is the reconciliation of opposites. The quest for `wholeness` in humanity demands a balancing of these `opposites` in all aspects of our lives, inner and outer, male/female, physical/spiritual.
Colour is important in my paintings, I build successive layers of transparent glazes of oil paint and glazing medium, which results in paintings with more depth and vibrancy of colour. The layering process only ends when I feel the painting has achieved a certain `resonance` that brings it to life. This process is also a kind of alchemy.
The paintings are usually quite small, the intention being to draw the viewer into an `intimate`, contemplative connection with the work.
Please Click on each image for full size view.
