My creative journey took an unexpected turn following the pandemic. Moving to a new house and incorporating daily walks into my self-care routine led me to a project that has become near and dear to my heart: 'Edge of the City'
This series of works was born from the captivating contrast between the serene countryside on the edge of the Pennines and the dynamic urban sprawl of Manchester as a rapidly growing city. The landscape changes I witnessed on a daily basis sparked a surge of inspiration, and I found myself compelled to capture these stark differences on canvas.
"The collision of cityscape and landscape, right before my eyes, became so fascinating. Using oils as my medium of choice, I embarked on a creative journey to illustrate the interplay between these two worlds"
Capturing The City Heat On Canvas
The project gained momentum during the 2022 heatwave, which cast Manchester in an uncharacteristic hazy humidity. This rare moment of city life under a blazing sun was a sight to behold, especially for us Mancunians accustomed to rain-soaked days.
The ever-shifting weather of the Pennines gifted me with numerous opportunities to witness the scenes beneath a variety of skies. From moody, atmospheric moments to the sudden burst of radiant sunlight, this dynamic weather provided my project with a multifaceted appeal
Abstract Experiments
I began experimenting with mixed media using pieces of gold leaf to highlight reflections glimmering against high-rise buildings and working in a more blocky tonal way, trying not to add too much detail. As a painter who enjoys getting into the finer details, working in a more abstract way can be a challenge, but i think it works well for this series.
From City Slicker To Outdoor Adventurer
I spent the early years of my childhood in a heavily built up suburb of Manchester, Longsight. This had perks including being able to visit the old Manchester City football ground Maine Road with my grandad most weekends. Moving to The Pennines in The late 70’s was a breath of fresh air, literally and so different in many ways.
"To view and appreciate both worlds from a new perspective has been a real inspiration. I have also learned that I am more at peace with the cows on my walk to work, staying just on the fringes away from the hustle and bustle of city life".
Poet x Artist Collaborations
As the project blossomed, a collaboration with a friend of mine Anthony Brough, added an additional layer of depth to my work. Anthony, an accomplished author, found that my paintings resonated with the essence of his poems, harking back to his childhood memories of growing up in Greater Manchester. The synergy between my visual art and his evocative prose was undeniable, culminating in the painting 'Edge of Town' gracing the cover of his book 'Across The Line'
The ever-evolving skyline of Manchester with its towering cranes and buzz of constantly shifting life continues to captivate me, providing an unending source of ideas for new additions to the 'Edge of the City' series.
Until then you might catch me exploring the surrounding landscapes of Manchester on your travels, getting more ideas for future paintings!
