Random Act? Serendipity?

Purpose? Why?  What for? 

These questions  are consistently part of my ever evolving terrain and are without doubt, difficult. The difficulty lies in being able to maintain an open mind in the initial phase of the images development. It is important that a dialogue takes place and that this dialogue only takes place on the canvas. I want the unexpected to happen and to have to engage in a process led journey that allows for the unknown, to ask questions that are about colour, translucency and division of space; that by default throw up new questions that invariably result in uncomfortable revelations about shortcomings and the inevitable, 'what's the point of it all?'  I need to find these things out so that I am certain, the voice is mine. 

Papal Resignation

As is the norm, all paintings start with a colour and a gesture, neither being considered prior to the start and the final orientation is not necessarily how it began. It is quite normal for the painting to appear to suggest a working layout, only for this to change and it may occur more than once in its development. Invariably it is late in the painting's journey that I begin to understand what it is about and eventually work within the confines of its working title. 
Naturally this way of working is full of dilemmas, not least the 'Theme' one. It is important that they do not follow a set path, that the approach to each image is different to the last one, that I remain outside my comfort zone. Why? Because I want the unexpected, I savour the absorption of an open ended dialogue and most of all, I learn.

Division Nö3

Deluge

Elysian Fields

Elysian Fields is a prime example of this serendipitous approach, the painting did not reveal itself until the two red circles were put in to act as a balance to the red above and then it became apparent; the circles became poppies, the dripping paint suggestive of a meadow and at this point I knew what the painting was about. Elysian Fields are the home of the dead judged worthy (Virgil) and (Homer)  a beautiful meadow where those favoured by Zeus enjoy perfect happiness. Naturally there are also the connections to made with Fields of Flanders.