As I immerse myself in the studio, surrounded by the tranquil hues of blue, I find a profound connection to the spiritual and natural world.
The Essence of Blue
Blue, a colour synonymous with serenity and depth, invites us to explore the intangible aspects of our existence. It's a colour that speaks to the soul, evoking calm and introspection. In my paintings, blue is not just a hue; it's a gateway to the unseen and the spiritual, a way to bring the intangible to life.
Inspiration from Marcus Aurelius
A quote from Marcus Aurelius has always resonated deeply with me:
"The soul becomes dyed with the colour of its thoughts."
I first encountered these words in a college lecture in 1988, and they left such an impact that I wrote them down in an old notebook. Although the page was torn from the book years later, it now hangs on my studio wall, serving as a constant source of inspiration and reflection.
A Blue Angel's Watch
I was once told that I had a blue angel watching over me, keeping me safe. As I’ve grown older, I find myself reflecting on this idea. I’m not entirely sure what I believe about such things now, but the thought of a protective blue presence still brings me a sense of comfort and peace.
My Favourite Blue
Prussian Blue, discovered accidentally in 1704 in Berlin, is one of my most used pigments in the studio. I love its inky blue-black colour and its ghostly presence when mixed with Payne's Grey and Titanium White. This pigment's versatility allows me to create a wide range of tones, adding depth and atmospheric effects to my work.
It’s more often than not the first colour that gets loaded onto my work.
Nature's Inspiration
Reflecting on the icy landscapes of Iceland, the blue spectrum reveals itself in extraordinary ways. Glaciers and icebergs, with their crystalline structures, capture and reflect light in hues ranging from the palest azure to the deepest cobalt. These natural wonders, with their serene yet powerful presence, continue to influence my artistic vision, reminding me of the beauty and fragility of our environment.
West Wales Blues
Closer to home, the flattened blues found in West Wales are a source of constant inspiration. The summer light bouncing off the surface of the sea creates muted, ghostly blues that seem to float above the water. This ethereal quality of light and colour speaks to the transient and ephemeral nature of our surroundings, further fuelling my creative exploration.
SWOON: Sources of Inspiration
Indigo Dyed Fabrics: The rich, deep hues of indigo dye.
Blue John Crystal Mine: This unique and stunning mineral, found in Derbyshire, close to where I was raised, and my first school trip.
The Cover of "A Woman in the Polar Night" by Christine Ritter: This book cover, with its evocative shades of blue, perfectly captures the icy, serene atmosphere of the polar regions.
The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, with its intricate blue tiles and majestic architecture, is pure beauty and on my bucket list to visit.
-Derek Jarman's "Blue" This film is a moving and profound exploration of the colour blue, blending visual art with powerful narrative.