"The Mirror Room" Photograph

Hello, as this information may suggest I'm John Routledge. I've just graduated from Coventry School of Art and Design. My main artistic interest lies within sculpture, although I still retain an interest and practice drawing, print and photography also.

My main sculptural practice is based around light and appropriated materials. I take strong aesthetic influences from minimalist sculpture, most importantly the work of Dan Flavin and Donald Judd. More contemporary influences include: Erwin Redl, Spencer Finch, Ivan Navarro and Bill Culbert.

Thematically I am interested in contradictions and the nature of hypocrisy. Take as a basic example, the circle: It is the simplest shape, having only one side, yet mathematically it is one of the hardest to define and calculate. Calculus also works on the assumption that a circle posses not one side, but an infinite number of sides. So the circle is both singular and infinite, simple yet complex. Symbolically it represents both eternity, and fire, and so can be seen as a symbol of the never-ending or the purely transient. It can be seen to represent our world, our galaxy, our universe, in some religions even God, yet it is just a simple shape.

It is these sort or contradictions I wish to explore and represent in my work, the nature of light and dark, how they are absolutes but also relative and dependant on one another. But also how these contradictions can be extrapolated into all spheres of life: How people can fight holy wars when nearly all religions preach peace and understanding. How we criticize and condone war and slaughter the world over, yet do nothing to stop it. How we seem to constantly crave money and power, both of which are essentially meaningless constructs of humanity. And more directly, how art is visual medium for communication, yet so much emphasis in contemporary society is placed on a pieces implied meaning.

If you are interested in me or my work, or just fancy a chat please feel free to leave a comment or drop me an e-mail. I am not the most punctual of repliers but I will get back to you eventually!