One People Print

This painting was inspired by a number of things in both current politics and my ideas of spirituality. My work is not always political although I have ventured into contentious waters from time to time. I believe art can do many things. Art can entertain, question, raise issues or just be decoration. I have been interested in Buddhist philosophy for many years, particularly the concept of ‘inter-being’ described so beautifully by Thich Nhat Hanh that talks about the inter-connected-ness of all things, connected through our actions, feelings and thoughts. This work looks at both our connection on a spiritual level with our people and the physical migration of people to safer environments. All of my work is inspired by nature and natural lighting effects therefore even in a pure abstract piece such as this the shapes and colours of nature are present. The medium is unusual for me. It is watercolour applied thinly on canvas with subsequent layers of white acrylic and then further thin watercolour washes over the dry acrylic areas. The combination allows for subtle variations of colour with occasional impasto areas and flickers of asemic, calligraphic-like marks. My main references for this series are Monet and Turner's later more abstract works. I consider both artists to be the pinnacle of capturing mood in a landscape and natural lighting effects. Zao Wou-Ki's abstract landscapes made from calligraphic marks are also a large influence on my work. I hope the viewer sees a pleasing image, enjoys the flow of energy around the painting and has some thoughts of our inter-connected lives across the globe.