PEACE GARDEN

Height (cm): 50

Width (cm): 100

Depth (cm): 2

Materials: Acrylic and gouache on canvas

Date Completed: August/September 2024

"I often title works months after I've completed them, as I wait for 'the' name to emerge. I tend to prefer those which are short & punchy - 2 words & often only 2 syllables - OR else longer statements with inherent poetry ('A is XYZ', with some form of assonance pulling the 'A' and 'XYZ' together). My mind is naturally poetic, but according to a meter & rhythm of its own. This work is an intuitive abstract painting. I think it represents the conscious mind's attempt to make sense of - & therefore peace with - the subconscious; the masculine, the feminine; the known, the unknowable."

"I like smooth, edgeless bases but am drawn to adding simple structures like misshapen circles & lines. 'Peace Garden' was the working title I found the least offensive from a long list of options. I like the added context this contributes. A peace garden is a neutral gathering space, where people from differing backgrounds can mingle. A canvas performs a similar role, but with ideas or concepts."