How we perceive a painting & my inspiration for "Borders".

Aesthetics is an intensely personal subject. We all see things differently, including "art", and especially "beauty". As editior Neil Collins points out; "Painting is first and foremost a visual art - something we see, rather than think about.

So if we are asked whether we think a painting is beautiful, we are likely to give a fairly instant response. However, if we are then asked to evaluate the beauty (or lack thereof) of a painting - meaning, explain and give reasons - well, its a different story.'

'Borders' was mainly focused on the theory of perception. I believe our perception of a painting to be directly related to our current state of mind. It may be that as our thoughts become more positive or subsequently negative ; perhaps we can view the artwork or its meaning differently?

It is no secret that Art is a subjective field - one composes or views artwork in unique ways that reflect one's experience, knowledge, preference, and emotions. I believe one of the biggest downfalls of our generation to be immediacy - we look but we don't see.

I frequently investigate what is becoming in my studio, which can often lead to the drawing having various interpretations. In viewing the landscape in partial deterioration I am questioning what we perceive to be permanent in structure and yet what we ultimately have no control over - this often makes it difficult for any one perception to remain constant.

In direct terms - It has become apparent that war and Climate irregularity are constant - a vicious and unavoidable cycle that inarguably challenges the human existence.

However as past catastrophes demonstrate the resilience of human nature to overcome brings hope.

This painting can be experienced in two lights; we can choose to look at what appears helpless or we can look through the obscure and ominous surface and search for the emerging image that brings light.