I’m pleased to have three artworks featuring in the annual Spring Open exhibition of the St Ives Society of Artists. All three have a citrus theme as is befitting of Spring.
The largest is Summer Turns to High (Revisited) . It drills into the summer quadrant of life. The quote “Circle citronella candles” contained within it is taken from R.E.M’s song “Summer Turns to High”. It directly references the ticking clock of aging, and contrasts the rough with the smooth and darker shadows tinging the summer sun. Although essentially a joyous time, there is a bittersweet element through the citronella candle reference.
Next up is Tangerine 3 from my Vessels Collection – inspired by boatworks in St Ives Harbour – and is the only one still available from my tangerine paintings.
The term Vessel has the obvious nautical meaning and so you may see an orange and yellow boat with its hull resting on the sand, with decorative markings. You may also see a sunset in the Harbour with the glowing coppers, oranges and yellows. But look deeper and you’ll find lines and scratches as though the boat is telling a story of each and every turning tide and trip out to sea. The title Tangerine refers to the colourings and was inspired by the Teleman song of the same name (and of course the citrus fruit!).
And finally, there’s Zest for Life 2 – which was specially created for a project last year entitled “when life gives you lemons“ and is, of course, a lemon. Created with my trademark acrylics, sand and wax it’s very textural.
The show is on at the Mariner’s Gallery, St Ives Society of Artists, Norway Square, St Ives and runs until 7 June.
