Featured Artwork: 'Resilience'

‘Resilience’, Mixed Media on Canvas, 80 x 100cm, 2024.

The last 4 years have seen a lot of changes in my living situation, although many people have experienced a lot of turbulence since the pandemic. Personally, I relocated to Ukraine to be with my girlfriend (now wife) and shortly after we relocated from Ukraine due to the war, after some period of trying to make Art there and bring it to London to show and sell. This lack of stability left me feeling often exhausted, unsure of myself and constantly stressing over the basics of life, whilst trying to develop my creative practice and business. Finding resilience, stability and strength in the simple things, my daily routine, mindful practices and most importantly my relationship with my wife got me through this difficult time.

This piece collages different styles of representation, contrasting realism with loose sketches and cosmic abstracts, representing different layers of experience we all share. The skull represents death and the crown reminds us that we can rule our lives as long as they last. The dove rises from abstraction, as we can find peace in the chaos of the world and our lives. The painting is titled 'Resilience'; I believe, that with this trait, we can find a path to a happy life.

The edges of the painting are left loose and the canvas is left raw to give an unfinished look, to reflect that everyone's life is a work in progress.