'Urban Myth' Paintings - Artist Statement

The abstract paintings explore ideas of myth and story in relation to landscape. 

All things have a certain timeline and longevity. The longevity of the land surpasses most things and creatures. The land remains, reforms and regenerates while beings come and go. A witness to the ages and the future. And within it are the marks and myths of man.

In a contemporary sense, Urban Myth is about the spaces we occupy and the memories and stories we create and change every day. The paintings seek not to represent the visuals of the city but the emotional and remembered aspects attached to the experience of being, living, working or visiting.  Often highlighted by one or two things that stay with us, be it colour, tone or more of an emotion.

Activities such as travelling on the train or bus from one space to another and the use of networks and communications is paraphrased and recorded in colour and form, using abstract but painterly techniques. 

With the painting 'City', the heightened colour emphasises the loud nature of the metropolis, the constant noise, hustle and bustle which become part of the background of travel and work. 

The colour, light and tonal range of the 'Garden' painting comment on the vast green and flowered areas spread about across the city, often hidden from view. Personal, private spaces are brought to life by the city dwellers care and imagination, and are the inspiration for this painting, as with the 'Land' painting, which is about the green spaces you find concealed within an urban space. Usually a conserved area where no building is allowed and limited public access. 

Practical aspects such as doors and windows are also a fascinating part of the city. Abstracted you are perceiving the structure and ambiance of 'Door', not the particulars of a real door and again with 'Reflections', the light in the city, over and between the buildings, stretched across the paths is understood as part of the story of city life.