Maria Harding

Painting is my way of entering the flow of creation, that elusive state where we find ourselves totally absorbed in what we’re doing. My current fascination with birds began in a meditation, where I imagined myself soaring and gliding through a beautiful sunset. This evolved into a series of paintings which I feel, more than ever before in my work, embodies this magical sense of flow.

I paint birds because, for me, their ability to fly symbolises the ultimate freedom and I believe all of us, humans and animals alike, should have the right to feel free. On the ground birds often appear fearful, making sharp movements, on the lookout for danger. In contrast, in the sky they are free, of predators and of boundaries. My aim is to capture on canvas the joy these birds must feel, flying so high above the world.

After experimenting with different paints, I found that the combination of acrylics and oils works best for me. My process is to paint intuitively using loose abstract acrylic brushstrokes, then switch to oils to add the birds, in a way that compliments the background colours and forms.

The essence of these paintings is the ending of a hero’s journey, when after a long search the hero finally finds what they were looking ...

BA Fine Art (hons), 1997 Liverpool University, UK