Looking at this ongoing piece of work it is hard to separate it from the times we have lived through (and continue to) since Februaury/March 2020. Whilst this work has undoubtedly been influenced by the images of Don McCullin it has also been influenced by the fear, anxiety and concern created by the Covid-19 pandemic. The clouds bubble menacingly or wisp at frightening and violent speed in the ice-cool air. The land is often drowning in bog and muddy pool, whilst trees stand leafless and seemingly dormant, waiting for sun-warmth to thaw their cells and bring life back once more.
Using Black and White emphasises the light and dark, bringing wizard like drama to the sky and it’s whipping up of biting wind, lashing rain, peeping week warmth of sun and casting dark-deep shadows across the hills.
I can’t help looking at this work and sensing the melancholy of a landscape in winter - but this is a peaceful, optimistic melancholy, waiting for summer days and a return to the norm of life post pandemic.