The Toad Bone Painting

Painter living in Kent, United Kingdom. "John Wiltshire's paintings are painted from real life sources often found in and around the landscape. The animals and objects chosen often relate to traditional or forgotten folk stories. His studio is filled with different species of dead bee, display cases full of found objects and oil paint, the studio like his canvases become a space to investigate the heritage of the natural world and the ancient stories related to the landscape. Focusing on natural history and storytelling he presents images which are dense in meaning but open to interpretation. The bees are all different species and are vital for life on earth, the bee population dwindling is a major environmental concern. The painting of images from ancient tales encourages us to consider the superstitions of the past as a way of exploring and grounding ourselves in the places we live." Ashley Gallant, The Collection Lincoln & Usher Gallery