SCHISM Painting

The painting is signed and titled on the back. This was written by Sam Skinner artist and art historian: Communication through the marks of words, pictures and symbols are attempts at understanding the mysteries of existence.They allow us to ask why we are here and for what purpose. Does existence have a meaning or is it a chaotic accident? Words and language, symbols and signs supply us with the means to explore and investigate our roll in the cosmos.They are the rudimentary tools of philosophy and the basis of culture. He blends these themes on his canvases using a variety of materials and techniques. The result is a song to the dance of time, a measured beat that records in form the drama of Being. Cummins recent paintings use a limited palette which reward them with purpose and stronger expression. The colours are the raw natural ones of sand, chalk, marble and studio dust.These are brushed and sculpted into the forms that are appropriate to the idea.Even when there are pictorial elements in his work, the body of the canvas carries its own identity, tells its own story. An important theme for this artist is time,shown in his work by man made marks and signs, the patina of nature and the algebra of chance. The thick layered, high relief of the paintings muscle up the physical aspect of the canvas while lines, scratches and cryptic hieroglyphs push the eye around and give one the feeling that a great secret is about to be disclosed, that a revelation is at hand.