Shred

Acrylic on Canvas

24 x 36 inches

January 2012

SOLD

Shred is an example (as are many other paintings in the series) of three important motifs that have been deployed in my work over the past couple of years:

1) Xes

The 'x' is a signal that carries a lot of baggage. It is strong, simple, jagged. It marks the spot and cancels it out at the same time. The ‘Xes’ also create a grid on which I can construct the non-figurative imagery, which is at the centre of my work.

2) Totems

The 'stacks' that appear here are inspired by organic forms. They are the bones of the painting - but also have important totemic references for me. The vertical lines are created by gravity through drip lines. The stacked layers are created by applying kinetic marks which are then carefully edited to retain the abandon of the gestures used to make them. The sum is a complex file that references thought and action at the same time.

3) Fabric

I started my working life as a fabric designer, and the use of pattern still creeps in to my paintings from time to time. These small patches of detailed ornament add a visual pop to the over-all image, while referencing the simple day to day of the domestic.