reflections weren't a conscious concept as such,
it was more of an itch I had to scratch, then it
developed into something else.
It seems that there are several lines & styles in
this series, some paintings have more details,
as the (Diptych) two old mills, and some are
more Abstract, Tell us about it, was it to show
some planned development in examining
subjects?
For me this [the development of paintings] is
the most interesting part of working in a series
of work, rather than with isolated one of of the
subjects. At first I just wanted to capture the
buildings in the water, like a reflection of the
past. A sort of mirror of the industrial revolution.
As I worked on successive pieces I found that
I wanted to simplify the images and create a
more constructive sort of abstract painting,
but keeping it real and fluid feeling. The new
buildings that were being erected along the
canal [to replace the old] reminded me of a
Mondrian painting. And the canal reflected that
contemporary architectural mood change.
I had changed too during those years, and my
outlook for the future became more essential
than the nostalgic mood from the previous year.
I think both the 'nostalgic' and the 'futuristic'
feel of this series carry equal importance and
weight as works of Art. I'm now at a stage of
finalizing the series with three quite large works
that I wish to imbue both with the solidness
of nostalgia and with a stimulating and artistic
vision, hopefully.Reflections #9. Created 2009. 600mm x 800mm, Oil on canvas.
Artists collection.