And how can art help us, and help us to see ourselves? Aesthetic reflections on form, material, colour, light and sight? Re-presentations of our lives?
I sell my art to fund-raise for the homeless because it seems a practical way of helping and being in the world. Most of the time, I think my buyers have bought subject matter which gave them solace - trees and landscapes are popular - things they already knew re-presented beautifully or unusually. A few times, people have welcomed uncomfortable and thought-provoking perspectives - cartoons perhaps. But most leave that for the big galleries.
In my recent warehouse work, I became aware of how the process of painting ordinary people had value. It affirmed and honoured them, even if they didn't recognise themselves or want to buy the painting. Now I'm undertaking a similar project - to paint scenes which 'tell the story' of a charity - the King's Arms Project, which helps people out of homelessness. Inevitably, this is about identity and belonging - an examination of our society and ourselves.
I looked first at how aspects of the charity's work were represented in internet images: outreach; supporting accommodation; pathways to employment; ESOL (English for speakers of other language). These are my preliminary sketches whose Bedford manifestations I am hoping to negotiate with people who have benefited from the charity.
I sell my art to fund-raise for the homeless because it seems a practical way of helping and being in the world. Most of the time, I think my buyers have bought subject matter which gave them solace - trees and landscapes are popular - things they already knew re-presented beautifully or unusually. A few times, people have welcomed uncomfortable and thought-provoking perspectives - cartoons perhaps. But most leave that for the big galleries.
In my recent warehouse work, I became aware of how the process of painting ordinary people had value. It affirmed and honoured them, even if they didn't recognise themselves or want to buy the painting. Now I'm undertaking a similar project - to paint scenes which 'tell the story' of a charity - the King's Arms Project, which helps people out of homelessness. Inevitably, this is about identity and belonging - an examination of our society and ourselves.
I looked first at how aspects of the charity's work were represented in internet images: outreach; supporting accommodation; pathways to employment; ESOL (English for speakers of other language). These are my preliminary sketches whose Bedford manifestations I am hoping to negotiate with people who have benefited from the charity.
A fifth aspect of the charity is that it works with 'refugees and migrant services'. Someone who has been helped by the King's Arms Project has agreed to tell me her story and negotiate how I paint her portrait. I am hoping that the process will be affirming, whatever the product looks like. I hope to exhibit in June.