Therapy |
artist's statement
"Yes, my paintings are kind of crazy. But maybe crazy paintings are the only way to make sense of a crazy world."
Just as traditional fairy tales use simple storylines to tackle complex and difficult issues, Brian uses deceptively naive imagery - and subversive humour i to explore loss, hope, doubt, disillusionment, innocence and identity.
"The images in my work come directly from my subconscious. They are part of a constantly-evolving world with its own elusive logic - the magical, bittersweet realm of childhood, briefly glimpsed again from afar."
Brian refuses to interpret particular paintings ("that's the viewer's job") but the kaleidoscopic imagery hints at concerns ranging from the shortcomings of science to the vanity of civic institutions. Some pictures - especially his empty landscapes - radiate peace and stability, while others chart the eruption of dark and disorderly forces.
"Although my work has superficial similarities to Pop Art and Surrealism, I don't think it can be pigeonholed. It's 100% personal. The only tradition it belongs to is that of artists like William Blake or Samuel Palmer - stubborn English eccentrics who simply aren't interested in fitting in with the artistic prejudices of their times."
Brian's working methods are as individual as his subject matter. Inspired by early Renaissance painting practices, he has evolved his own unique mixed-media techniques. By carefully layering different elements he creates subtle, smouldering colours and rich, lustrous surfaces that aren't immediately recognisable as paint on paper.
These techniques, along with the intimate scale, stripped-down forms and uncluttered compositions, give his paintings something of the feel of medieval icons - and an immediacy and impact quite out of proportion to their size.
From 'Same Difference', Farfield Mill, 2008
qualifications and appointments
Cambridge University
PhD in Philosophy
Research topic: human colour perception
Cambridge University
Tutor, Aesthetics
The Open University
Tutor, Philosophy of the Arts
behind the scenes
For a more informal and revealing perspective try the interview page of this site, or my blog, Philosophical Rabbit.
Waterloo Potato Re-enactment |