"This is Where I Get Off" Painting

Born in Ottawa in 1955, Canada. Hugh came to the UK in 1959 where he has resided ever since. In 1977, he moved to London and later that year created illustration work for Dunhill and Price Water House's brochure. From 1980-1993, Hugh worked as a fine art technician at the Hayward Gallery in London. In 1993, he retired on health grounds. The artist joined Bow Arts Trust in east London in 1994 as one of its founding members. From 1996-2004, he taught at Hampstead School of Art, part-time and, West Herts College of further education in 1997. Artist's Statement The artist main theme throughout his work is a process of breaking down and reconstructing new ways of seeing. In his work, forms and landscapes suggest a sense of movement, metamorphosis and flux. This has been echoed by the artist physical limitations due ill health where he has had to reinvent and re-evaluate how to paint and draw. In today's world where things are increasingly polarised, the artist is looking for more lateral connections between himself and the world. Range of Media The artist has always worked in a variety of media, e.g. canvas, paper, slate and computer graphics. Inspiration The artist has been influenced by the ground breaking work of Braque and Picasso as seen in Cubism, the improvisation and dynamics seen in Jackson Pollack's work and the metamorphic objects of Bill Woodrow's sculptures. Further, been married to a Brazilian, Brazil, with its vibrancy, landscape and people, all had a big impact on his work. Spain has also been a significant influence due to the artist's Spanish roots.