We Will Regress You and We Will Find You

This painting is the depiction of a defence mechanism. The bright red framework of the tricycle acts in some ways as a scaffold and shelter or perhaps the battlements of a castle that resists being breached. Both the bear and the skunk are animals with very different methods of offering intimidation and deterrent. I was drawn to creating this painting as I find the idea of regression to be fascinating. I wanted to create a canvas to further explore the establishment of facades as well as human behaviour and the passing of time. I am interested in examining through my painting the possibilities of what might occur when an individual’s personality reverts to an earlier stage of development.

We Will Regress You and We Will Find You Acrylic on Canvas 76cm x 76cm 

Trolls

I am utterly fascinated and totally perplexed with the internet trolling craze which has become a prevalent and damaging tick that seems to grow larger as our immersion into cyber societies have evolved. As I am experimenting with facades and personas within my work the topic of trolling has been an interesting subject to transfer onto canvas. I wanted to create a diptych of one male and one female both striking confident poses yet hidden behind masks. The small hooded person hunched over at the feet of each larger figure of bravado is a translation of the shallow confidence that these individuals attach to themselves. Ultimately using totems, cyphers and text I wanted to show how their opportunistic, vicarious personas are so easy to hide behind.

Trolls 1 of 2 Acrylic on Canvas 60cm x 50cm

Trolls 2 of 2 Acrylic on Canvas 60cm x 50cm

A Hedge Fund Manager Tries to Attain Internal Peace

This is a painting exploring confidence and assurance in one’s self, but I am interested in depicting a seemingly confident man overshadowed by coveted objects, calling into question his outward bravado and bravery. The title alludes to a professional person who could have everything, but still perhaps there is something missing which all of the trappings and apparels he surrounds himself with may never quite be able to satisfy.

A Hedge Fund Manager Tries to Attain Internal Peace Acrylic on Canvas 90cm x 76cm

This is Fear but This Is Good Fear

It is fascinating to use as a subject for a painting the paradoxical nature of confidence as its ever-present shadow fear is often so close by. With this canvas I wanted to present a situation where a person seemingly exudes confidence and yet just beneath the surface an entire raging sea of doubt and fear may scupper a performance. I wanted an arrangement of empty chairs as an open interpretation to the viewer. This could signify a dress rehearsal or perhaps the actual moment of a performance, yet through visualisation the crowd has disappeared from the central figure’s mind. Along with totems and cyphers the text is used as a device to swarm around the individual, who is crosshatched with lines forming a guarded protection as a simple mantra holds everything together.

This is Fear but This is Good Fear Acrylic on Canvas 60cm x 75cm

When a Bubble Bursts

When some people fall they tend to fall hard, as ultimately the good times may seem eternal, but rarely last forever. This painting focuses on a solitary decadent object as the focal point of the composition.  The utlisation of a predator (fox) and an oblivious prey (flamingo) are included to reinforce the fact that this situation is far beyond the point of borrowed time. At the top of the chandelier the silhouetted figure has almost managed to come to terms with the fact that this is the event horizon at this stage of their life.

When a Bubble Bursts Acrylic on Canvas 90cm x 70cm

Detail from Painting

Detail from Painting

Detail from Painting

Detail from Painting